Fuel draining at uneven rates

[Dusty]

This may have been mentioned before but check the fuel cap seals,
Yes I found out the hard way.

[rosslr]

Jeremy, I was posting the same Q's as you about 12mths ago. While I certainly think it is prudent to eliminate all possible causes such as the suggestions here, I found that one tank will go down to just under the 1/4 full mark and then they start evening out - just as one of the wise old soles on this forum suggested. They way I found out was not on a long cross country but close to home - very close to home and just went up high and flew around for about 3/4 hrs - all within gliding distance. I am now confident of how it will even out , although I have to admit, it does keep you vigilant watching the gauges!
And at the recent first annual, I removed the finger strainers in the tanks just to satisfy my curiosity about how clean or blocked they were ( they were clean, but now I don't fly along wondering!!)

Best of luck

ross

[happiestflying]

Ross, and Paul, thanks for the suggestions. I'll give those a try on the next flight(s), but perhaps I'll do some engine-out practise first, which is of course something I should be doing on a much more regular basis. Another great excuse to fly, not that I need one. And yes, you guys are more than half the world away, and I have no idea why I'm replying in the middle of the night.

[jiott]

I agree with Ross, they tend to even out at 1/4 or less, although I have run several times to less than 1/4 where the other tank shows zero and have never had an engine hiccup; I totally quit worrying about it.

I still believe the cause is flying with the ball somewhat off center, as well as slight differences in ram pressure in the cap vent tubes. I am still waiting for someone (maybe I will do it myself) to test various vent tube angles off of straight ahead to see what effect is has on fuel tank drain rates. I believe the testing could be easily done by slipping on a tight-fitting copper tube extension on the cap vent tube. Then bend the soft copper to various angles to test.

[n85ae]

Actually it's caused by Coriolis, if you fly in Australia the other tank drains faster ...

I never worry about it any more, mine never runs out of fuel because I
drink too much coffee.

Jeff

[airlina]

Actually it's caused by Coriolis, if you fly in Australia the other tank drains faster ...

I never worry about it any more, mine never runs out of fuel because I
drink too much coffee.

Jeff

The perfect solution Jeff!