Fuel selector Hard (nearly impossible) to Turn

[GeorgePerry]

Flew up and back to Oshkosh.  Trip went fine, however on the flight up, the fuel selector seemed a bit stiff but I could still turn with one hand.  On the flight back it got worse.  Much worse.  I had to minimize the number of times I changes tanks and only made two switches the entire flight b/c each time it got harder and harder to select the other tank.  The last switch took two hands to turn the selector.  Made it home but the plane is down for any trips other than the one I'm taking tomorrow up to Weber MSC to get it fixed and the annual completed.

 

They are going to disassemble the selector and see if its something simple like carpet fibers binding up the mechanism.  I'm hopeful.  A new selector from Mooney is 2 AMU's.  Ouch.  Fingers crossed.

 

The fun never ends!

[Marauder]

George -- leave your wallet, they'll get it fixed. Did you try to remove the selector knob? Sometimes grit or stuff gets wedged under it. Especially for those of us where the selector is recessed.

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[GeorgePerry]

Time, effort, and money seem to fix most problems.  At least I know Weber will do a good job.  Unlike the shop on my home field.

[carusoam]

At least you are not alone....

It comes from an Eagle pilot.

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/15262-fuel-selector-valve-m20j/?hl=%2Bstuck+%2Bfuel+%2Bselector+%2Bvalve#entry210195

Hope this helps.

-a-

[GeorgePerry]

Just got my plane back from annual and I have to tip my hat to Weber Mooney Service Center in Lancaster PA.  They did a phenomenal job on my plane and were able to fix the fuel selector for just a few hours of labor.

 

They disassembled the fuel selector and found some "gunk" in the mechanism.  They cleaned it up, put on some lubricant and reinstalled.  Works like a champ!  Smoot as butter with a nice "click" as it slips into the left and right detents.   I've flown twice since getting it back 10+ Hours.  knock on wood everything is working great!

[Guest]

Got to love good maintenance!

Clarence

[Yetti]

Did they clean the screen on the fuel servo?

[grami-air]

Had a similar experience in my F model several years ago, turned out to be a worn "O" ring that would bind in the OFF position when switching tanks.  Nothing gets your attention more than switching tanks and have it jam in the OFF position.

[GeorgePerry]

Did they clean the screen on the fuel servo?

yep

[INA201]

Good evening, I have found a drop or two around the fuel selector on my 1978J.  An old article in the MAPA log says to rebuild the selector.  Are the Orings common that my mechanic should be able to handle the job or should it be sent to Lasar or an MSC? I'm located at KSPA if y'all Think I should run some place close.  Thank you guys for your input on this.

Sincerely

Tangled up in Blue(dye)

[carusoam]

Aside from the leak, how well is it operating? Easy to turn or tough to turn?

Can you feel it go into all the detents while using it?

These are some signs to look for if it needs some additional attention beyond O-rings.

I don't remember anything specific about the O-rings themselves.

My 65C had a corrosion problem on the shaft that was attached to the pull ring.  Probably related to outdoor storage.

best regards,

-a-

[Shadrach]

Time, effort, and money seem to fix most problems.  At least I know Weber will do a good job.  Unlike the shop on my home field.

ouch....but I concur fully! We'll not name names though.

[Shadrach]

I would think the o-rings are a standard size. Is there something unique about them?

[INA201]

It is a little stiff turning but I haven't tried lubricating it either. I can feel the detents very well but the turning is stiffer than it was prior to noticing the blue dye. Heck the stiffness may be in my head but based on any valve it should be more smooth imop.  I'm a new Mooney owner of two months so still getting a feel for it all.  Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you guys.

[Shadrach]

Beats me, Ross. One of my detents is almost imperceptible, which precipitated the discussion with Dan indicated above. Afterwards I decided to just leave well enough alone and didn't pursue it further. I'd be very curious to know myself. 

I would put an exact "matching mark" on both the dial and the bezel at each detent just so you have a precise back up if you loose the detent completely. I have the old school footwell selector. The only detent is the middle (6 O'clock) position which is "off" the other 2 positions (left 9 O'clock and right 3 O'clock) are merely stops.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Shadrach

[Shadrach]

It is a little stiff turning but I haven't tried lubricating it either. I can feel the detents very well but the turning is stiffer than it was prior to noticing the blue dye. Heck the stiffness may be in my head but based on any valve it should be more smooth imop.  I'm a new Mooney owner of two months so still getting a feel for it all.  Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you guys.

it's clearly weeping. I'd call LASAR and get a little more info. I'm sure there's a mechanic on field that can fix the issue, but LASAR will have the needed parts if available and will help you help him get to the bottom of it faster.

[ArtVandelay]

My 78J FS is also a little stiff, doesn't feel like it's binding, just takes a firm hand, I thought it was suppose to be like that to prevent accidental movement. I didn't know it has detent, I usually put it on left so in case of emergency I can twist it right till stop without looking.

[laytonl]

Good evening, I have found a drop or two around the fuel selector on my 1978J.  An old article in the MAPA log says to rebuild the selector.  Are the Orings common that my mechanic should be able to handle the job or should it be sent to Lasar or an MSC? I'm located at KSPA if y'all Think I should run some place close.  Thank you guys for your input on this.

Sincerely

Tangled up in Blue(dye)

[laytonl]

Ina201,

Compass Aviation at EHO is close to you and does a great job.  They have done a couple of annuals for me and I'm been impressed with their service.  They are very competent. 

Lee

 

 

 

[Hank]

I would put an exact "matching mark" on both the dial and the bezel at each detent just so you have a precise back up if you loose the detent completely. I have the old school footwell selector. The only detent is the middle (12 o'clock) position which is "off" the other 2 positions (left 9 O'clock and right 3 O'clock) are merely stops.

going from memory (I didn't switch tanks this evening), Left is 9:00, Right is 3:00, but my "OFF" mark is at 6:00. Off has a good detent, never noticed if the tanks are larger detents or the travel limit. Something to check next time I'm out!  

[Shadrach]

going from memory (I didn't switch tanks this evening), Left is 9:00, Right is 3:00, but my "OFF" mark is at 6:00. Off has a good detent, never noticed if the tanks are larger detents or the travel limit. Something to check next time I'm out!  

You don't let much get by you...do you.

previous post edited for accuracy!

[Hank]

You don't let much get by you...do you.

previous post edited for accuracy!

life deep in the Alabama countryside allows lots of time for surfing MooneySpace . . . .    On the other hand, I've forgotten what traffic jams are, much less "rush hour," and I've only been here a few months.  

[mike_elliott]

it's clearly weeping. I'd call LASAR and get a little more info. I'm sure there's a mechanic on field that can fix the issue, but LASAR will have the needed parts if available and will help you help him get to the bottom of it faster.

This is a component that can kill you if not serviced correctly. Don't guess here, send it to a knowledgeable, reputable guy like Lasar or Don Maxwell.

[INA201]

I spoke with Dan at Lasar and he said it was an Airright valve and that there isn't a rebuild kit available.  He mentioned that the valve can get stepped on as well to mess it up.  I am a new guy so I'm not sure what the currency exchange rate is into AMUs but he quoted $ 1484.00 for a replacement.  On the other hand I spoke with Don at Airflow Performance who is based at KSPA(my home airport) and he said that he would rebuild it.  Don has not seen the valve however.  Don runs a certified repair station that works on fuel systems and works with folks like Sean Tucker on his Oracle aircraft.  I feel comfortable letting Don look it over.  What do you guys think?  For the record I have enclosed new pictures for those who may need this reference. There is a very minor wobble in the stem but maybe it's just a torn up oring? I will let y'all know what transpires when the pros take a look. http://www.airflowperformance.com/html/site_html.html

[Hank]

Conversion from $ to AMU is simple. Your part above is 1-1/2 AMU, plus labor. Here's hoping the rebuild works!