Is it time to replace your Cessna fuel selector valve?
How do I know when to replace or service my fuel selector valve?
The most common indication of external fuel valve leaks is the smell of avgas in the cabin. Most valves are located under the cabin floor. Fuel stain on the valve and drain plug or drain valve or on the belly of the aircraft can also indicate external leakage. External leaks are generally around the actuation valve stem. Internal leaks are detected when the fuel is turned off and fuel continues to drip during fuel system maintenance. Inner port leakage will allow fuel from one tank to leak into another fuel tank. This type leak is difficult to detect. Fuel transfer from one tank to another with the fuel valve selected to one tank only will indicate inner-port leakage. An extended period of time is needed to detect fuel transfer from one tank to another. Generally if internal leakage is detected when servicing the fuel system, it is likely there is also inner-port leakage.
New Fuel Selector Valve Assemblies
FAA-PMA approved for Cessna 150 thru 195 aircraft
- Better corrosion resistance
- Improved O-ring retention
- More balanced fuel flow
Why not just repair my valve?
Many of the original valves have too much damage to be repaired cost-effectively. The original Cessna fuel valve that started in model 170 was a simple but ingenious cam ball design that has proven very reliable over the years. McFarlane has repaired a lot of these original Cessna valves, and we know them well. However, we are now rejecting a big percentage of the valve cores sent to us. A lot of them have corrosion damage in the main body that is too severe to fix, or the O-ring retention area is damaged and too rough to seal. Many of the fittings are corroded through. The cam bearing is brass and easily corrodes the aluminum alloy cam.
How do I keep contaminants out of my fuel system?
The fuel selector valve works in unscreened fuel. Contaminated fuel can cause selector valve seal damage. When fueling from possibly contaminated fuel sources McFarlane recommends the use of a fuel filter, such as Mr. Funnel or another filtering device, to reduce trash in the fuel system.
Overhauled Fuel Selector & Fuel Shut-Off Valves
Repaired assemblies available for Cessna 150 thru 320 aircraft
- Overhauled by experienced technicians
- Cleaned, inspected, and assembled with all fluorocarbon O-rings, seals, gaskets, hardware, and parts as required
- Pressure tested for leaks and evaluated for proper fuel flow
Seal kits, repair kits, and replacement components also available!
Seal kits and repair kits are available for varying Cessna 150 thru 320 aircraft. Replacement components are available for all new McFarlane fuel valve assemblies.
- Seal kits include all necessary O-rings and/or gaskets
- Repair kits include all required hardware, seals, springs, O-rings, roll pins, washers, screws, balls, and plug
- Replacement components available include covers, rotors, bodies, pins, and seals
To order components, go to Seal Kits, Repair Kits, or Replacement/Service Parts
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