Fuel Tank Selector

[carusoam]

Summary...

1) Plumbers and fans of the Home Depot prefer the PVC solution.

2) Bee keepers use a traditional notched wooden stick from an old beehive.

3) Physical Therapists suggest Yoga to improve pilot flexibility.

4) Dietitions are suggesting a modified diet.

5) The good doctor has made an excellent mechanically engineered and complete solution with signed documentation.

6) Long Body pilots opt for rudder trim to lift the heavy wing.

7) Efficiency and speed demanding pilots insist on changing tanks often to minimize needless drag caused by the imbalance.

The combined answer seems to be...

1) No, it is not REQUIRED to change tanks while flying.

2) There will be a logical limit to how long you fly before changing tanks.

3) There may be a physical limit to systems that handle the imbalance, rudder trim, wing leveler, A/P or left arm.

4) For Mooney pilots that don't pass the 'couch test', as defined by RG above, there are plenty of solutions for this Rookie fear.

Have no fear, Rookie!

Best regards,

-a-

[carusoam]

By chance, did the J pilot extoll the other virtues of his 'modern' steed?

My J is better than your F because you have to visit HD for a $5 fix for your very personal challenge.

That's going to go over really well at the next Mooney fly in...

From B to TN, they are all well designed and built. After that, it depends on the strength of your preferences and your finances.

Best regards,

-a-

[RobertGary1]

When I bought my F the price premium for a 77 J over my 76F was 50%. The only difference between my F and a J is about 10 knots in speed mods. Otherwise my plane is identical (same window config, same instrument panel, same A3B6 engine, etc). So I couldn't see paying 50% extra for a couple knots but the market did.

 

-Robert

[ArtVandelay]

For those having trouble bending over to switch the fuel selector, how are you getting in,out of the plane? Seems that requires more flexibility?

[Marauder]

For those having trouble bending over to switch the fuel selector, how are you getting in,out of the plane? Seems that requires more flexibility?

Let me guess TJ, you are under 50? The lower back is the issue for most of fuel selector challenged people.

As for getting in and out. Totally different motion. That move is easy, you rock, roll and crawl.

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[Bob_Belville]

As I recall, getting in and out and switching fuel tanks of my first '66E were easier for some reason. I think the one we have now must have shrunk over the years.

 

Edited October 20, 2015 by Bob_Belville

[ArtVandelay]

Let me guess TJ, you are under 50? The lower back is the issue for most of fuel selector challenged people.

As for getting in and out. Totally different motion. That move is easy, you rock, roll and crawl.

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Just over 50 , my method is right knee on copilot seat, step out with left, while pushing with right off seat back and pulling with the left, after a long cross country it's usually associated with a groan.

[OR75]

before we know it we're gonna have the switching of tank as part of the FAA medical

[RobertGary1]

Just over 50 , my method is right knee on copilot seat, step out with left, while pushing with right off seat back and pulling with the left, after a long cross country it's usually associated with a groan.

 

Interesting. I slide over and sit in the copilot's seat and then grab the handle and pull myself through the door and step out. But I'm under 50.

-Robert 

Edited October 20, 2015 by RobertGary1

[Hank]

I'm a proud member of Flyers Over Fifty, and I walk out from the left seat. Right hand on back seat, left foot into copilot's footwell, right knee onto right seat, push with right hand and step out with left foot. I think, never paid it a lot of attention. It works for me, but I have no back problems.

[cnoe]

By chance, did the J pilot extoll the other virtues of his 'modern' steed?

My previous mount was a great little "E", but I just couldn't take it anymore and had to move into the "J" because of the fuel selector location. It was the best $45,000 upgrade I ever made.

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[gsxrpilot]

My problem is not wanting to get out of the left seat. I wish someone would just fuel her up for me and let me go up again. Do I have to put her back in the hanger? Can't we go fly some more?

[tony]

If you run a tank dry, you'd be surprised how easy it is to reach.

[carl]

I had this problem , I could not reach the fuel selector . I tried and tried, so i built the PVC handle , it is great , and THEN i learned you were supposed to take off your shoulder harness,  Hey now I can do it.  .. And then I found the wing leveler , wow easier. 

they are great planes.

 

carl

[gsxrpilot]

When I first got my Mooney, I was told about the PVC T handle that would make this much easier so I built one. It worked well as it gives much more leverage than I could get with just finger tips. Then one day, while VFR on top, I couldn't get the lever to move at all. I worked on it for awhile and then gave up and started looking for a place to land.  Once I'd turned around and headed home, I tried once more, and was able to switch tanks. 

Many on this forum suggested that wasn't normal and it probably needed service. So off to Maxwell for a quick rebuild of the mechanism. And I've not used the T handle since. 

I slide the seat back a couple of notches and can easily switch tanks without the need for any extra tools.

[RobertGary1]

It should not be hard to move the selector at all. Agreed that if it is it needs service. I sent my selector off to Lake Aero for rebuild a few years ago just as a preventative measure.

-Robert

[steingar]

I just unlatch the shoulder harness, and yes I've done it with no autopilot in lots of turbulence.  I have a much easier time getting in and out of the Mooney than my old Cherokee.  and I am well on my way to old fart-hood.

Besides, the autoeroticism of the tank switch is an experience not to be missed.

[Bob_Belville]

It should not be hard to move the selector at all. Agreed that if it is it needs service. I sent my selector off to Lake Aero for rebuild a few years ago just as a preventative measure.

-Robert

I assume you had to drain the fuel tanks to work on the selector mechanism?

[RobertGary1]

I assume you had to drain the fuel tanks to work on the selector mechanism?

Or fab a tube with a rubber cap to cap the lines off. I bet if you plug the vents you could transfer the lines to a cap fast enough to not have a hazmat issue.

I drained the tanks and did some routine tank patching at the same time. I have a few 5 gal cans I use for such things in various vehicles.

-Robert

Edited October 21, 2015 by RobertGary1

[carl]

When I first got my Mooney, I was told about the PVC T handle that would make this much easier so I built one. It worked well as it gives much more leverage than I could get with just finger tips. Then one day, while VFR on top, I couldn't get the lever to move at all. I worked on it for awhile and then gave up and started looking for a place to land.  Once I'd turned around and headed home, I tried once more, and was able to switch tanks. 

Many on this forum suggested that wasn't normal and it probably needed service. So off to Maxwell for a quick rebuild of the mechanism. And I've not used the T handle since. 

I slide the seat back a couple of notches and can easily switch tanks without the need for any extra tools.

I slide the seat back a couple of notches and can easily switch tanks without the need for any extra tools.

 

NOW I'm really feeling stupid. I never ever thought of this . Coupled with unlatching the should harness, I think it would be easy to switch tanks. 

[Andy95W]

NOW I'm really feeling stupid. I never ever thought of this .

You're not alone!  I've gotten that feeling too when reading MooneySpace.

[DrBill]

I have an extra T handle in the trunk of my car.  When you get your "F" i'll send it to you as a MOONEY PRESENT.

BILL

[RobertGary1]

I'm still scratching my head wondering why you'd need a tool to switch the tanks. But I guess not all is meant to be understood.

-Robert

[Marauder]

I'm still scratching my head wondering why you'd need a tool to switch the tanks. But I guess not all is meant to be understood.

-Robert

 One day you'll find out... Then you'll remember this thread and chuckle. 

[Marauder]

Then you will spend hours looking up the thread on how to build one, run down to the hardware store to get the parts, make it and then want to fly to see if it will work.