FlyingMonkey Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 When I was in Brasstown, NC (a small grass strip) this weekend, I didn't realize that the airplane was parked on an incline with the left wing lower than the right. Over the course of our stay, fuel transfered right to left, until the left wing tank was full, then fuel sloshed out through the vent. When we returned a couple of hours later the left wing was dripping wet with fuel. I think I only lost a gallon or two, but it was a mess. I reversed the airplane for an hour or so and let fuel drain back the other way, and mopped up the excess fuel. No harm done, but beware - it can happen. My fuel valve was closed, BTW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 The fuel circuit is open from tank to tank and the fuel shut off only cuts it off to the engine. We learned at the first Page Fly-In not to park with a wing low. Always turn your plane so it is either straight up hill or down, but not sideways. This can happen if you jack up one wing in the shop fairly high with a lot of fuel onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbigs Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 Great tip, and sorry to hear about the incident Morden... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 Also: Our aircraft have small carry through vent lines from tank to tank as well (required for certification on gravity feed systems to keep air pressure balanced), so plugging the tank vent won't stop crossover. But, it will stop any from spilling out at least if you HAVE to park unevenly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted May 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 Great tip, and sorry to hear about the incident Morden... As I said, no harm done, just an FYI to others. I knew the T before the fuel valve transfers fuel (if I leave my plane overnight the tanks are magically equalized), it just didn't occur to me that when parked the transfer would happen that quickly. My tanks went from about 12 gallons each to right 5 and left overflowing in a couple of hours....quicker than I would expect, given the slope of the hill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Bozo Posted May 27, 2015 Report Share Posted May 27, 2015 Another note, if you have full tanks and are parked in the hangar where it is level and a tire goes low or flat you will have the same mess all over the hangar floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted May 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2015 Another note, if you have full tanks and are parked in the hangar where it is level and a tire goes low or flat you will have the same mess all over the hangar floor. Good to know, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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