PA-30 Fuel Drain Leak

[Norm Rathje]

I've had a persistent problem with fuel leaking from the right fuel drain valve on my PA-30 after sumping the right tanks. The drain button feels closed, but fuel continues to drip from the drain tube. Shutting the fuel off stops the drip, but does not fix the problem in flight! Does anyone have a recommendation on fixing this problem?

Norm

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Remove the fuel selector valve/strainer, and send it to Webco for servicing. I would bet that there is more wrong than just a leaky drain, and it needs to be addressed before the unit becomes unservicable. As long as you are at it, the other one is probably in the same condition, just not leaking, so as long as the plane is down, I would do both.

-Zach

[N3322G]

I echo Zach's advice and also offer that depending upon how long you plan to keep your plane, there are now STC'd replacement selector valves/drains available that have gotten good reviews.

[Charlie Tripp]

Craig,

Both Zach and Pat have given good advice. I would first remove both fuel bowls from underneath the fuel selectors and look for trash preventing the fuel drain valve from seating. Be sure to turn both selectors to “off” before doing this

[md11flyer]

Craig:

If you don't find any trash in the bowls... and even if you do.....take a good look at the O ring on the plunger shaft..
It might have a cut in it or simply just old.
I have attached a picture for clarification of that O ring.

Good luck

Gary

[Norm Rathje]

Thanks to everyone who responded. Dropped the bowls and cleaned out the accunulation of trash, lubed the O rings and leak checked OK. Does anyone have the part number for the stainless filter retainer washer -- one bowl had a stainless washer and the other still had one made from Al. No luck in the parts catalogue and SB 314A ia no linger available from Piper...

[Charlie Tripp]

Call Webco for retainer washers.