Fuel Selector Replacement

[101]

Originally Posted on Sun Sep 04, 2005 7:31 am

Selectors on the planes came as "three way" with Left/Right/Off positions, and four way with the addition of a Both position. The original selectors served admirably until the "new fuels" came along; the new fuels would quickly leach the magic and expensive "fuel grease" from between the spool of the selector and its nest in the body of the unit. The results of leaching the lubricant were squeaks, then hard to turn to change tanks, and eventually it would be so hard to change tanks that a wrench was needed as an aid. And, in the last stages, the selector would leak.

A replacement selector from Cessna costs about $5XX.xx for the three way and about $6XX.xx for the four way.

There are efforts underway to get an STC approved by the FAA to allow the use of one or more new models. The reluctance of the FAA to assist anyone doing anything is an impediment slowing the effort.

The original brass body, brass spool selector is available from Spruce for about $24; an alternate suggested here is the Weatherhead 6749 for $21, also from Spruce and other catalog sources. The Weatherhead and others being considered use Delrin or similar plastic spools which do not depend on lubricants to keep from galling.

This article presents sequences designed to make the exchange safe and have a selector which does not squeak or gall or leak. The tools needed are listed, as well as suggestions on the parts to order before tackling the task.

Neal