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Fuel selector valve
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:14 am
by 1567
Has anyone installed the Univair fuel selector valve, part number U0411716-500 ? If so can you comment on it, likes dislikes etc.
Thanks in advance
Matt
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 3:10 pm
by 6277
Works fine. It's been on my plane for around 10 years. Positive detents.
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:35 am
by 6898
we have had one in for long time worth the effort and money in my opinion.
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 8:37 am
by 1567
6722 and 6898
Can either of you guys tell me a little about the make up of these valves. I called Univair and asked but the guy I talked to could not tell me anything. He said they had a shaft with a couple of o-rings. Well da, no kidding. What I Want to know is what's. Inside these valves that turns and what's it made of. Is it A tapered plug like the original imperial valves or a ball or what. I don't want to spend nearly $500 for a valve that's going to bind up and be hard to turn like the old imperial valves did.
Have either of you had any problems with turning your valves when switching from one tank to another?
Thanks
Matt
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 10:10 am
by 6795
I found that the old Imperial Valves need maintenance every 20 years or so. Remove your valve and check the seat between the bowl and tapered shaft, if you find any scoring or abrasion marks fill the bowl with a light rubbing compound like Bon-Ami and spin the valve a few hundred times to polish the mating surfaces, then replace the O-rings, lubricate with Fuel-Lube, and re-install. Much cheaper than buying a new valve!
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 11:07 am
by 6277
I have not had any problem with the valve. None. I don't know what the internal parts look like. It operates smoothly, does not bind and does not leak. If you install it yourself, use new fittings and carefully note the angle of the fittings that are in the valve that you removed. Put the new fittings in the selector valve at the exact same angle. You'll be working without sight access to the valve and the connecting lines as they are under the floor and accessible through the access covers. Read Neal Wright's article on fuel selector valves for more information.
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 2:35 pm
by 8474
6795 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2019 10:10 am
I found that the old Imperial Valves need maintenance every 20 years or so. Remove your valve and check the seat between the bowl and tapered shaft, if you find any scoring or abrasion marks fill the bowl with a light rubbing compound like Bon-Ami and spin the valve a few hundred times to polish the mating surfaces, then replace the O-rings, lubricate with Fuel-Lube, and re-install. Much cheaper than buying a new valve!
Thanks for the advice on this, mine is very difficult to turn. I just placed an order with ACS for EZ Turn, they say this now replaces Fuel-Lube.
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 4:58 pm
by 1567
Ez turn is the current replacement for fuel lube but it doesn't last. And that is my concern for wanting to know the makeup of the Univair valve. I've heard people say they can't even go from one annual to the next with out having problems turning the fuel valve.
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 6:09 pm
by 4323
I have used Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel for years and if it does nothing else, it keeps my old fuel selector valve moving freely.
Re: Fuel selector valve
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 7:24 pm
by 8474
1567 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2019 4:58 pm
Ez turn is the current replacement for fuel lube but it doesn't last. And that is my concern for wanting to know the makeup of the Univair valve. I've heard people say they can't even go from one annual to the next with out having problems turning the fuel valve.
Well thats not good news....the reviews on ACS are all positive.