Need a Heater Fuel Valve Knob (PA-30 cockpit)

[David Pfeffer]

Looking for ideas for replacement of the Heater's fuel valve knob. I have manual style fuel valve in my 1963 PA-30. The control rod is rotated counter-clockwise to open the valve and clockwise to close the valve, shutting off fuel flow. The threaded rod that extends into the cockpit no longer has threads, nor a knob. I'm sure I can come up with something (such as re-threading the rod and making a knob), but anyone get creative with this in the past and have any good ideas? See attached pic.

[jeffrey aryan]

David,
FYI,

Maybe an auto parts store or Truck stop supply place. Another attempt is an older style electronics store. JC whitney, McMaster Carr catalog might work.
Please post your findings. FWIW.

Jeff

[David Pfeffer]

Thanks Jeff. Anyone know what years they installed this style fuel flow valve. Would love to see what the knob SHOULD look like. I have a few ideas for manufacturing a new one. I'm gonna have to spend a little time in the machine shop..

[md11flyer]

David: Here is a picture of the knob in the panel. I hope you can enlarge it to see it better.

Gary

[md11flyer]

Actually, Looked up an older picture and found a better view of it.

Gary

[N3322G]

In the Before Panel renovation photo in this article just above the co-pilot yoke logo is the knob

http://www.comancheflyer.com/NS/tech_ar ... vation.pdf

[Kristin Winter]

Here is a picture of the knob in my 1969 Twin. This looks like a basic knob that you could get from any electronics supply house like Allied, Mouser, Newark, etc.

[N3322G]

obviously maintained by a meticulous person

[David Pfeffer]

Thank you all!

I assume everyone's knobs are threaded on judging by the half remaining threads on mine?

[md11flyer]

Actually mine is set on the shaft with a set screw. My guess is that if yours has thread on it then it is threaded on and then fixed with a set screw.
Otherwise it would just unscew from the shaft when operating the fuel shut off.

[David Pfeffer]

I'd agree. Whatever I end up making or buying will get a set screw installed.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

That shut off valve should be thought of as a firewall shutoff valve, and not used regularly. The fuel shutoff solenoid on the heater is the primary shutoff. If you remove the heater, have a suspected leak or fire, then use the rotary valve to shut off fuel. Repeated use will cayse the valve packing to unscreww and you will fill up the nose with fuel...not good!
-Zach