David Carter wrote:

Interesting about the C-182 feeding too much out of left wing:  Our local
CAP C-182Q does the same thing.  I've been writing it up and trying to get
the maintenance folks to replace the fuel selector as it is "obviously"
malfunctioning and passing fuel out of left tank even when I have the right
tank selected.  In Both, it feeds a lot more out of left tank than right.

Now I'm wondering if the fuel selector may be OK and we just have a crummy
"FAA Certified" fuel system that Cessna couldn't make to work correctly.

David Carter

I would not excatly call it crummy. Probably the best system out there.
Never had any real problems and I have flown it in some pretty remote
areas of North America. On the other hand I have never flown it
completly
out of fuel to see what happens with the last few gallons.

Paul Lamar

Bill Freeman wrote:

David,

If you check with the Cessna owners clubs, this is not a problem
with a particular C182, but the way the system seems to work.
I wonder if it might be related to the changed venting provided by the
new design fuel caps.  You may not be aware that the original fuel
caps were completely flush, had some sort of a vent and let in water
from rain.  These were replaced by C172/C150 style caps which stick
up in the airstream and let is less water due to the neck being above
the wing surface (apparently).  From what I can gather, the venting
via a single vent to the left tank, and the crossover vent to the right
tank is a little less than desirable.  The right tank has poorer venting
than the left, so the left feeds more fuel on "BOTH".  From what I have
read, if you leave it on "BOTH" the left will feed down to a pretty low
level (my memory is fuzzy, but say 1/4) and then the majority of the fuel
starts coming from the right tank until they begin to equalize.  Apparently
the system is entirely safe and reliable, just a bit weird.

Later C182s have dual vents (one in each tank) and at least theoretically
should feed more evenly on both.

Bill

 
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