Charlie:
I am going to the airport today and
will test this and post the results. I am not sure where the manifold valve is
but will look in the manuals and find it.
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Charlie Kohler
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 7:29 AM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Continental Engine
fuel Sys.
The thread regarding water/vent plugging issue has missed
a potential cause of this problem. Having both Left/Right tank selections
responding exactly alike would lead me to a common cause. One is-- a
slit/crack/porosity in the diaphragm in the fuel manifold valve on top of
the engine.
If one exists --the engine driven pump will overcome it
initially-- but then as leak (crack) enlarges-- it'll require electric
pump lo-- then high to keep the engine running. This might be on one flight--or
ten. But eventually the diaphragm will not contain the pressure to overcome the
spring, closing the valve and the engine will quit.
To test--Put a bucket under sniffle valve-- Remove the
drain line (rubber hose on bottom of manifold valve) and turn pump
on high mixture and throttle in. ANY fuel coming out
drain is serious and the valve must be overhauled.
Engines stored for long periods are really susceptible to
this problem.
Charlie K.