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Ain't the joy of aircraft ownership swell - one maintenance adventure after another? Last month I joined the ranks of those dealing with a leaking fuel shutoff valve. With help from the forum and 3 attempts at it, the weep from the stem area was solved with a bit of lapping and replacement of the spring and O-ring. As a bonus, the stainless clad line from gascolator to carburetor leaked like a sieve when the valve was opened, necessitating its replacement.
Since the line from the fuel valve to gascolator is the same age (1999), it seems prudent to replace it also. It too is stainless clad, with a straight fitting at the gascolator end and 90 degree at the firewall end, neither of which are reuseable. My mechanic proposes replacing it with a straight 303 hose, like the new g to c line, if we can come up with a 90 degree fitting for the fuel valve at the firewall. Otherwise, the integral 90 degree fitting ($$$) to duplicate what's on there will have to be ordered. Both lines will then be upgraded from #4 to #5. Shoot, maybe I'll gain another 100 RPM from the enhanced flow!
I do have some concern, though, about the new vs. older hoses with regard to flexibility. Is there potential for vibration related stress transmitted to the aluminum fittings or bottom of the fuel tank by the stiffer 303 hose? The g to c line turns 90 degrees and the fv to g line describes a lazy "S".
Mike V.
Since the line from the fuel valve to gascolator is the same age (1999), it seems prudent to replace it also. It too is stainless clad, with a straight fitting at the gascolator end and 90 degree at the firewall end, neither of which are reuseable. My mechanic proposes replacing it with a straight 303 hose, like the new g to c line, if we can come up with a 90 degree fitting for the fuel valve at the firewall. Otherwise, the integral 90 degree fitting ($$$) to duplicate what's on there will have to be ordered. Both lines will then be upgraded from #4 to #5. Shoot, maybe I'll gain another 100 RPM from the enhanced flow!
I do have some concern, though, about the new vs. older hoses with regard to flexibility. Is there potential for vibration related stress transmitted to the aluminum fittings or bottom of the fuel tank by the stiffer 303 hose? The g to c line turns 90 degrees and the fv to g line describes a lazy "S".
Mike V.
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