We lost our previous TKS funnel, which by providence led me to the store to find another one. The new funnel was advertised as a “gas gauge” funnel but it also works with TKS fluid. It’s a definite improvement over the one we had.
This funnel has a wider spout and tabs around the neck which help to keep it stable in the TKS filler port. I was able to add TKS fluid without causing the funnel to tip over and it was not blown around by light wind. It was an easy one person task.
We had to hold our other funnel steady by hand which left one hand to manage the 2.5 gallon TKS bottle. Not an easy job alone. So, last year on most refills we had two people.
The pop-up float works great to show when the TKS tank is full. The gauge eliminates the tedious task of removing the funnel from the filler port to check the fluid level. The floating indicator is a time saver and stops the worry of over filling the port and spilling fluid over the wing.
The funnel has a pre-molded filter screen. It offers protection against any odd debris falling into the tank. But it does slow the flow a bit. You’ll need to slow down your pour rate or just fill the funnel then let it drain and repeat.
The funnel is a good size. It’s easy to store or carry on a flight. If you’re going cross-country and might need a refill of TKS fluid it’s a small item in the luggage compartment.
I was able to buy the funnel for $2.68 at our local Walmart store. But you can also find it online. Just search “gas gauge funnel” at the Walmart website or Amazon. The Amazon price was $7.99 with free shipping.
Not sure what the price of this thing would be if it was called an “Aviation TKS Gauge Funnel.” Anybody want to take a guess?
Maybe we won’t lose this one. It’s yellow and easy to spot.
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Matt. 2:1-12
Great Article
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year🎄
Thanks Alan. Hope to see you out flying soon. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and all the best for the New Year!