Fuel selector un reachable

[carl]

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

 

 

 

[BigTex]

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]

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-

[Hector]

Have the PVC pipe myself. Sad to say but a requirement even for the moderately circumferentially challenged.

[N601RX]

The PVC handle works great. Just keep it somewhere secure so it doesn't end up tangled up in the pedals.

[Marauder]

Can someone give me the dimensions of what you built?

[Hank]

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]

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

[bonal]

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.

[Marauder]

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]

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]

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

56 last month

[BigTex]

56 last month

 

Then genetically gifted

[Marauder]

Then genetically gifted

Either that or a yoga instructor.

[rbridges]

or monkey arms.  

[bonal]

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]

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!

[ArtVandelay]

On a J, the gasolator is a stretch between my feet, but the fuel selector between seats is easy to reach.

[xrs135]

I'm in Reno. I have a PVC pipe fuel selector tool thing. I never use it, you can have it. Problem solved.

[ryoder]

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.

[carl]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[DrBill]

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