1949 170A fuel selector detent

[c170b53]

Does the fuel selector for this model have detents and if so how / where is the ball/device located within the valve? Valve operates and does not leak but there's no position feedback as compared to the block fuel valve of the "B" models. Hoping to avoid "going in".

[hilltop170]

I do not know the correct answer to your question but mine does exactly the same thing. There is an almost imperceivable click where the detent should be but nothing you can feel. The plane just went thru a very extensive IRAN and the IA did not question the fuel valve but did inspect and lube it. The last annual by a different IA did not question it either.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

There is no detent. The valve is a smooth (or should be) cone in a smooth (or should be) casing. When the holes drilled through them line up, fuel flows.

[hilltop170]

Thanks, Bruce-
I always wanted to know but never thought to ask.

[Bill Hart]

A funny side bar to this discussion. I was flying between Savannah, Ga and Atlanta, Ga and while over a hardwood forest I noticed that my left tank was full and my right tank was in the red “Do not take off” range. My right tank always feeds first but I have never seen it like this. I looked down and made sure I was in “both”. I thought some how the left tank feed line got clogged or something. I had to find out if I could feed from the left tank but there was no where to land should I need to but the interstate. I thought I had enough gas to make it to a close by airport but making it home was out of the question. So I got over the interstate and switched to the left tank and waited for the engine to quit. I thought I’ll fly down the interstate for 15 minutes and leave my hand on the selector. The engine never did quit and I made it home fine. The funny thing is I haven’t had that happen again.

[voorheesh]

I have had the same experience (one fuel quantity indicator reading low) and when I filled up, both tanks took nearly the same amount. I think it is the cork floats getting old or not working right and I plan to pull tanks next annual and get my fuel system checked out.