Groundhog

That makes sense. I was thinking the right side is suspect on mine since I have the trim all the way left. Thanks for sharing that.

Thanks for the helpful info! I’ll try to get a few things checked out and see if we can find the problem.

I have a new to me 1970 M20F, and the roll trim on the PC autopilot turn coordinator is all the way to the left. Most of the time it’ll hold level unless the fuel is imbalanced. I read a lot of old threads about the PC but was wondering if anyone had personal experience with this issue that could save me some time. I looked at the servos on the ailerons, and the right one looks older than the left, but I didn’t see any noticeable holes, cracks or tears. I’m trying to find a mechanic that knows something about these systems, but no luck so far (Chicago area). I thought maybe if someone had the same experience with running out of roll trim they could point me in the right direction and maybe I could guide a local A&P on what I’d like to try to troubleshoot. Thanks in advance!

I had both drains replaced with the SAF-AIR ones, and I did notice they were both a little different in draining than before. But the one side is still slower. I can get plenty of fuel out for a sample, it just takes longer than the other side. I’m wondering if I should even worry about it since I can take a full sample with a little patience.

Thanks Clarence. Is there any way to clear that out, short of opening up the tank?

I had a slow fuel drain on one side when I went to go pick my 1978 J up from annual/prebuy. I had the shop look at it before I took the plane, because I was concerned it could be a venting issue. They said it was fine, just a slow drain. Later I had a different mechanic come look at it and had him change the valve. It was still slow even with a brand new valve. Anyone have this same experience?

Thanks guys! I’m new to all this and still learning. I knew when I bought it that a tank patch or reseal could be in my future, but was hopeful when the MSC didn’t find any evidence of leaks. I wish I would have fueled it up before I did the inspection!

Would you suggest flying it on that tank to burn off a certain amount of fuel, and checking afterwards to see if it leaks? Then burn off a little more at a time to try to determine the level it leaks at? Or is this a no fly issue?

Hi all! I’m a brand new owner of a 1978 J, and after my prebuy/annual at a MSC I noticed a fresh fuel stain around what appears to be a drain hole near the wing root of the left wing skin, well forward of the drain sump. First of all, I was just wanting to see if anyone can confirm that this is actually meant to be a drain hole in the skin. Also, is there anything I should do to troubleshoot before talking to the shop about it? I’m guessing they didn’t see a leak because that tank was relatively low level during the inspection. I filled up before I flew it to my home airport. Thanks in advance for any advice!