Uneven fuel consumption!

[Jeff Matthews]

My A model used to burn a lot more fuel out of one tank. When I subsequently pulled the tanks, I found that one screen had only eight of the little holes free. That was the side that was feeding--the other screen had only two!

The screens looked like they had been dipped in varnish, and the corks on the gauges were bare. The airplane had a mogas STC, and I've wondered whether that stripped the finish off the floats and deposited it on the screens. The bottom of the tank was pretty cruddy, too. Got a half a cup of varnish-like flakes out of each before I finally pulled them.

Don't know whether it was gasoline condensing on the top of the tank, stuff precipitating out, whether it was old avgas or mogas. I bought the plane from an estate, so I can't ask the previous owner.

The airplane hadn't flown much for many years, and I imagine the annual conversation went sort of like "Aww, it's only flown six hours since last inspection--it shouldn't need more than a look-over".

[yukontools]

I have just returned from caribou hunting with my daughter in our '52 170B 180hp and I notcied the right tank showing much less than the left like described in the previous post. I switched to the left tank for 30 miuutes as it read full. 35 minutes from Galena on our way home I switched to both. I was up at 3,500' to give me time to find a suitable landing spot should something go south. I started to 2nd guess myself and wonder if I forgot to replace the cap. I checked the tank upon landing in Galena and it was bone dry. The left tank was 3/4-7/8 full. I had 2.4 hours on the flight. Is there reason for concern as when I switched to the left tank the right tank was at 1/4?

No caribou just lots of tracks heading to the hills which is unhosipitabal for suitable landing spots. A great time with my 12 year old though.

If I have missed anything from the prior posts I would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks.

[GAHorn]

I still see no reason for concern, since you proved that the left tank will feed properly alone,... therefore if running on both...it will also still feed even should the right tank become dry.

[bradbrady]

I still see no reason for concern, since you proved that the left tank will feed properly alone,... therefore if running on both...it will also still feed even should the right tank become dry.

Unless you pulll a hard turn, and pull the fuel away from the good tank and have no fuel in the other
brad

[blueldr]

A few of of things that should be checked when one tank feeds very reluctantly.

1. Are the cross cabin and goose neck vent lines clear and open?

2. Is the gas cap venting to the low pressure area on the top of the wing and putting a low pressure area in the tank thus reducing the head pressure on that side?

3. If a vented gas cap is installed, make sure the check valve in it is working.

[yukontools]

I will check all vents and caps. I appreciate all your suggestions.