Leaky Fuel Valve

[KewFlyer]

After adding about 3 gallons of fuel to the right wing tank, went inside the cockpit for a rag and smelled fuel. Looked up on top of the right door where the right fuel valve is...nothing, then I notice a puttle and drops comming from the fuel center tank. UUPS, the valve is open. Nope. It was closed. Tried different positions and the fuel continued to leak. Well, I place a bucket to catch the fuel leak and opened the headliner to take a look at the fuel valve. It operates very nicely...but I'm guessing that the inner workings are not. I placed the valve on the OFF position for about half an hour and the fuel continued to leak. Check the fuel level in the right tank after 2 hours and... yes it was down about the same amount of fuel in the bucket. Well, let me put the handle in the middle position, nor on nor off....same result.

Any ideas...... I am tempted to remove the fuel valve and then....what? Can the valve be serviced? If not, would need a new valve....where to get it.

Any help and ideas are very welcome.

still slowly draining the right tank in a bucket...from the bucket to the lawn more

Thanks
Ralph

[Buell Powell]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

Ralph,
A fellow posted on the Fairchild forum a couple of days ago that he has some New Old Stock fuel valves for F24's. I believe they are the same except they have an adapter screwed on for 2 inlet lines and no rod welded on the handle for the push-pull rod. IF you need one send me a PM and I can give you his contact information.
Buell

[N74DV]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

If you need a valve let me know. I went through the same ordeal a couple months ago. I ended up with a spare valve that is probably good as is but may need a new leather packing.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

Guys...my appollogies.

I failed to follow rule # 1 of this forum. Do a search first before asking the question and starting a new thread.

I just read the TCraft encyclopedia called the Forum, and found several responses to my problem specially, at the "Aircraft Restoration" web site which shows pictures !.


This will be next week end project and, since I'm doing one, I will go ahead and do both.....Uhmmm.... I may do one... test ...wait... and then do the other one. I dont want to have both tanks out.

74DV...thanks for the offer. Lets see how it goes...I might take up on the offer.Thanks

Buell: same to you.

Regards,
Ralph

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

when in doubt refer to rule #1. Most of it is all there for you. drain, remove, fix, test, reinstall, any problems , ask! BE CAREFUL if you remove main tank shut off valve that you do not twist out bottom of tank.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

Thanks Forrest for the advise.
Regards
Ralph

[KewFlyer]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

If you need a valve let me know. I went through the same ordeal a couple months ago. I ended up with a spare valve that is probably good as is but may need a new leather packing.

I will take you up on your offer. I can not make the valve work. Let me know the cost. The left valve works fine (so far).
Thanks
Ralph

[astjp2]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

I have new glass impregnated PFTE valves on order, a new handle will need to be made but you can get a field approval to install. I am going to make a pattern that can be used to make a new handle and it will need to have the pin welded in. I am doing this for my own airplane and I am applying for an stc for the valve. PM me if interested. Tim

[dick Anderson]

Re: Leaky Fuel Valve

I have the two wing tanks in my BC12D. No on/ off valves near the tanks but both under the dash. No problems with fuel valves and easy to access.
Installed 85 cont. under field approval. No change to fuel system. Big restriction in lines is from flex hose in engine compartment not from wing tanks to center tank. Dick Anderson