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Fuel selector un reachable

carl

By carl
in Vintage Mooneys (pre-J models)

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carl Proficient

carl

Posted
Posted

Ok, maybe I'm too fat. Maybe I'm too stiff. Maybe I,m too short with short arms . I don't know.  But I am more fun than a bunch of parrots in a Mooney (Ha HA , that a joke Parrot Wizzard) 

 

But the fuel selector in the M20 E is just impossible to operate. 

 

In the pattern , Fuel selector to fullest tank. Boy I better be 2000 feet above pattern altitude. Because I have to put my head under the yoke to reach the blimey thing. Mooney are not aerobatic, but really they are.........

 

So, I have seen this piece of PVC pipe notched out to fit the fuel selector valve and you can turn it without rolling the plane.

 

The major question is ; does anyone have the dimensions to make this pipe. ( this will answers my question, is anyone using this thing.)

    My plane is in RENO and I have to pick it up at Christmas. (I have been flying a flight school's plane in Virginia) .

 

Any Mooney pilot in Reno want to check out this plane with me, around the pattern ( test Pilots?) 

 

 

Carl

 

 

 

  • Like 1
BigTex Mentor

BigTex

Posted
Posted

I have one of those Fat Man's fuel selector Tee Handle.  I've not seen any spec's for them but next time I'm at the hangar I'll take some measurements and snap some pictures.

carusoam Grand Master

carusoam

Posted
Posted

There is a thread related to this device...

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/8798-who-has-the-specs-to-make-a-pvc-extension-for-fuel-selector/?hl=%2Bfuel+%2Bselector+%2Bpipe

Try this...

The alternate device uses a piece of wood that comes from a bee hive keeper. Or something like that...

Use PVC for newer planes...

Wood is better for older planes...

Make sure the valve is working properly first. They can be rebuilt if they are hard to turn.

Best regards,

-a-

  • Like 1
Hank Grand Master

Hank

Posted
Posted

Put a 6" piece into an elbow for the handle. Cut the leg whatever length you need to reach the selector. Cut a notch in line with the handle to fit the selector handle.

I'd be surprised if you need much more than a foot for the leg. Course, it depends on your diameter, arm length, seat position and how far you can reach. Everybody (every body?) is different.

Ron McBride Mentor

Ron McBride

Posted
Posted

I have a smaller sprinkler control in my plane, Steel, handle about 12" long, lays flat on the floor next to my trim wheel.  I don't know how this will work with a Johnson Bar though.

 

Ron

Marauder Grand Master

Marauder

Posted
Posted

I must not be doing so bad cause I can still operate mine by hand. Fuel selector valve good way to test your level of fitness.

My guess is you are less than 50. Am I right? ;)

gsxrpilot Grand Master

gsxrpilot

Posted
Posted

I made mine from a single 3/4" T. I just notched the leg of the T to fit the fuel selector.  It would be even better if I used a 1" T with a 6" piece of straight pipe to extend the leg of the T. Then just notch it to fit.  I keep it in the side pocket for easy access.

 

As a side note, I was at 10K feet over Oklahoma on my way to OSH.  I needed to switch tanks and put my T on the selector switch.  It wouldn't move.  Tried as I might it wouldn't budge.  I finally turned around to head for the nearest fuel thinking I'd only be able to use the one tank.  Once I set course for the nearest fuel I tried again and the selector moved to the other tank. Knowing I had another two hours of fuel now, I turned back North.  I didn't have any more problems other than it being very stiff.  First stop after Oshkosh was at Maxwells for an overhaul of the selector valve.  I can move it with two fingers now.

bonal Grand Master

bonal

Posted
Posted

You guys are killing me, I need to lose about 15 to 20lbs just had a huge plate of spaghetti for dinner pasta is my big weakness. I just reach down and twist the lever.

Hank Grand Master

Hank

Posted
Posted

I must not be doing so bad cause I can still operate mine by hand. Fuel selector valve good way to test your level of fitness.

My fitness program is pushing & pulling the plane in and out of the hangar. My flexibility workout is getting in and out of the airplane. Doing both makes reaching the fuel selector simple. Having it between my feet also allows easy storage of approach plates sideways below the pedestal where I can easily reach them. (Yes, Alan, I'm over 50, too.)

Is the fuel selector really more difficult to reach than the fuel sumps or static line drain button? We won't even discuss creeping underneath to clean the belly . . . But wheels really help there!

ryoder Veteran

ryoder

Posted
Posted

I don't change tanks in critical phases of flight regardless of what the book says. I change tanks while overflying an airport at thousands of feet in the air. Do you really want to lose the engine right before entering downwind? I don't and switching tanks is a crap shoot imho.

As for the weight, please lose some weight. I know it seems hard but if you find yourself a personal trainer that is a bodybuilder those guys lose a big belly every year and then put it back on. My friend is a bodybuilder and it's amazing how fast he can drop twenty pounds of fat or more. It's all in the diet and in when you exercise. Short answer, do cardio in the morning on an empty stomach. Then have a high fiber high protein low carb breakfast, eat fifty percent protein and don't est at night past six o'clock.

  • Like 1
carl Proficient

carl

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hey, 

Thanks everyone for your comments

xrs135

I will be in Reno Christmas.  If you want to email me ;  carlkenyon@yahoo.com       ,I would accept your PVC pipe fuel selector tool thing, 

 

ryoder; I accept your advise , and I will begin a training program.

 

Carl

Andy95W Grand Master

Andy95W

Posted
Posted

Funny how everything old is new again.

The first time I saw the PVC pipe fuel selector extension was back in the 90's by Norm "the Mooney Miser" Smith.

orionflt Veteran

orionflt

Posted
Posted

I had one that came with my plane but I never used it so I gave it to a friend who wanted one..... I don't think he ever uses it either. they are easy to make and you can even adjust the length to best suit your needs.

 

Brian

mooniac15u Veteran

mooniac15u

Posted
Posted

While you're at it you might want to pick up one of these for tuning the transponder, working the J-bar, or just reaching the yoke with the seat all the way back. :D

 

JF13608.jpg

  • Like 2
DrBill Mentor

DrBill

Posted
Posted

My fuel selector tool has an 8in straight piece of 1/2 in PVC pipe into the T. I keep it in the pocket on the left side.  Works great. I've even used it reaching in the vent window !

BILL

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