Fuel flow problems... 1958 PA 24-250 W/ Tip Tanks

[ray burton]

i am the new owner of a 1958 Comanche 250 (SN 24-330)... With tip tanks

I have found that the fuel flow from the right tanks is much slower than the flow from the left tanks (slow enough that it was discovered while trying to take off on the right main tanks)..

Since the Osborne tip tanks included a replacement fuel selector system that has two separate valves... I am trying to find information on these valves and how to service them, etc.

I also have a questions: Piper service manuals talks about the fuel selector levers having a positive feel, or click as they go into place. The valves in my Comanche have no such click or feel of a detent. If I wanted to replace these valves where can they be found?


Sorry if this is rambling, but I have not had any luck finding info on these valves..

Thanks

Ray Burton
Greensboro, NC
N5290P

[Charles Schefer]

You might check with Matt Kurke of ComancheGear (www.comanchegear.com). I believe he offers some services related to the fuel selectors. Not sure if it's limited to just the electronic sensors to display the fuel level of the tank selected or if he also overhauls the selectors themselves but I'd check. Also I assume you checked with Webco? I have also seen Comanche fuel selectors for sale on eBay but obviously that route you get what you get.

Good luck,

- Charles

[Ed Asmus]

Hi Ray,

I can't say for sure where you can get these valves serviced. I would try Heritage Aero in Rockford, IL. They could probably point you in the right direction. As for "positive feel," I have these valves in my 59 250 with the tip tanks and there is a definite positive feel or "click" when the valve is in the proper position for the selected tank, mains and tips.

Good Luck,

Ed

[N3322G]

Ray,

When I'm looking for parts, I start by getting the part # from the Parts manual under the Tech Tab on the Home page, then I google. I'll also start calling every one of the Parts suppliers listed on the home page. They generally advertise in the Flyer.

Other postings have given you good advice. Webco has lots of parts not listed on their website and may do O/Hs. My Twin's were O/H'd there. If I'd been able to wait 90 days, teh new and much more robust selectors became available from Australia and I would have paid the $ as in 45 years, fuel selectors have failed more than once. Singles have different selectors so I can't say what is available but mention the Twin's options in case something similar is available for you. Best of luck.

[Clarence Beintema]

Take a look at Piper SB354B for information on servicing selector valves.

http://www.supercub.org/photopost/data/760/SB_354B.pdf

Clarence

[JIMICS2452]

Those fuel selectors are provided as part of the STC tip tank installation kit. Contact Osborne for information.

Also, read the POH addition for the tip tanks. They are for use in level flight only and are specifically prohibited from use during take off and landing.

[N3322G]

As a new owner - highly recommend the Taylor DVDs available here under CFF merchandise and taking the 3-day Comanche course. Even after 45 years of Comanche flying, always something to learn

[JIMICS2452]

If you need copies of the paperwork I can scan and email it to you.

jimathiattaviation.com

[ray burton]