Original Fuel Selector

[tomreneau]

My 1949 140A has the original fuel selector. It does not have detents for any of the fuel positions. It appears this is normal. I’m just wondering if others have the original selector and can verify theirs is the same. Thanks.

[6643]

Certification requirements state that the valve shall have either stops or "feel" to determine the correct positions, e.i. so you don't inadvertently set the valve between positions. I've never disassembled an original 4 position valve, but I understand it was the same construction as the three position valve. It had a washer with four cutouts at 90 degrees to one another. The washer was spring loaded against a pin in the valve shaft and the pin clicked into the cutouts when it was in the correct position.

Here is a picture (posted by user a1949cessna in the old forum) of a disassembled valve, allegedly a four-way valve. You can see the washer with the cutouts, and the pin in the shaft just above the plug. (The spring is missing! I expect it leaked!)
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dscn0607_989.jpg (261.51 KiB) Viewed 959 times

[tomreneau]

I think I may be missing the washer.

[6597]

Here's a pic of the 3-way valve if that helps you figure it out. The thin flat copper washer I think I found at NAPA at one time long ago...

disassembledImperial2.JPG (61.24 KiB) Viewed 943 times

[6643]

I think I may be missing the washer.

Jensen Aircraft used to sell a replacement valve plug and detent washer for the valve. I believe they had some issues with the plug and discontinued it. Don't know if they'd still have or supply the washer. There is an FBO called Jensen Aircraft at the airport in the same city, Salida, CO. Maybe worth checking, if in fact you are missing the washer.

Let me know if you want to make one; I have some chicken scratchings on a napkin that should be sufficient to duplicate it.