Fuel Tank and Selector Problem

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howelldw
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2025 10:02 am

Fuel Tank and Selector Problem

Post by howelldw »

I need your expertise. New 170 owner here.

This is an original '48 rag wing with the single tank left side and double tank right side.

I topped off the left tank before my flight. I took off and landed with the fuel on both (5 min each) , but during the 50 min of cruise flight time, I selected to burn from the right side. I had the selector there, but it burned fuel from the left tank.

Could the lines or selector be reversed or is there another issue I need to be aware of. I've never seen this before.
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dstates
Posts: 498
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2019 5:50 pm

Re: Fuel Tank and Selector Problem

Post by dstates »

I'm not sure if a total of 10 minutes is enough, but if you have the selector on "Both" the left and right tanks are connected and fuel will migrate to the lower tank. I would guess that this is what happened to cause fuel to leave your left tank.
N1235D - 1951 170A - SN: 20118
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howelldw
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2025 10:02 am

Re: Fuel Tank and Selector Problem

Post by howelldw »

dstates wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 1:10 pm I'm not sure if a total of 10 minutes is enough, but if you have the selector on "Both" the left and right tanks are connected and fuel will migrate to the lower tank. I would guess that this is what happened to cause fuel to leave your left tank.
Good point! Sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees. I was trying to burn out the fuel on the right to change my drain sump.
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