Fuel Tank Test Drain Replacement

[Guest Anonymous]

Has anyone had to replace a leaking underwing fuel drain?

Did you use the original ones or a PMA'd replacement like the SAF-AIR ones that have O rings that can be changed?  If anyone has used these, is the SA18 the correct one for the original Mooney sealed wing tank?

Thanks,

RFB

 

[N6843N]

Has your aicraft already had SB 188A complied with? If not that will be the first step. If it has been modified it takes an F391-53S drain valve I believe they are Mooney specific. They cost $20.57 each from your local Mooney authorized dealer.

[Guest Anonymous]

I don't have my log books at work, so I can't say if SB 188A is complied with. However, I do know that the fuel drains have hex heads on them, so I am hopefull that remove and replace is all that is required. I will check on the next trip to the hangar.

RFB

[carusoam]

It's probably good to have an extra one in hand.  I have found that a small amount of junk (tiny black specks) is enough to drain a tank while you are not looking (one drip at a time).  Small particles get stuck in the valve and do not flush out very easily.

I have also found that they are easy enough to clean up once removed from the plane.

Keep in mind... Since they have the rubber seal, it only takes light torque to have it seal properly back in place.  If you over-torque it...., you will easily rip its little head clean off, spout a few rude words, and consult with your mechanic about borrowing an EZ out of the proper size to remove the remaining carcass, and then start over.....

-a-

 

[Guest Anonymous]

Quote: carusoam

... Keep in mind... Since they have the rubber seal, it only takes light torque to have it seal properly back in place. ....