Spring loaded Fuel Drain Valve

[Rick Greer]

I am now the proud owner of a 1958 Piper Comanche 180. I am tickled. I've owned a C-172 and a Belanaca Super Viking. When I perform my pre-flight and drain the fuel under the belly, the spring doesn't want to "snap" right back. It starts a pretty heavy leak. A little tug on it and it reseats. I sure wouldn't mind getting it replaced. Since I am so new at Piper, any suggestions? Thanks, Rick Greer Aiken, SC 803-507-2859.

[MULEFLY]

Rick welcome to our community... there are some great folks here and you need to also find... http://forums.delphiforums.com/ComancheFlyer

That site is not an official ICS site, but lots of our buddies post on both.

There are several main sources for Comanche Parts....

www.comanchegear.com
http://webcoaircraft.com/

After that, you go to Aircraft Spruce and the usual other suppliers.

All the best!

Jim

[DAVEG24]

I'm not familiar with the early model drains, but I suspect that the valve can be easily replaced. It may be that the "o" ring that seals the valve is so old and hard that it can't seal using just spring pressure, and you have to pull it shut. Or the spring itself may be weak. You won't know for sure about any of this until you have the valve in your hand. The bowl is easily removed, and that's what I would do if it was mine. Take the bowl off and take a good look at the valve. If the spring is rusty, I'd opt to replace the entire valve, since you can't buy just the spring. If not, the "o" ring is easily replaced and that's where I would start.

Dave Gitelman

[Rick Greer]

Total success. My A&P and I removed the fuel bowl, the old spring drain valve, and the big "O" ring. We replaced all with complete success.
Topic #2 the left landing light. Sure enough, I went to the airport around 5 in the morning to test all of the night and general lights. While there, I operated the left landing light several times on and off. It worked, something in the switch is bad. When I get the avionics upgraded, excited to say, in a couple of weeks, I'll get them to replace the switch while they're under the panel.

Thanks so much for being so generous with your knowledge and advise.
New Member Rick Greer, Aiken, SC