The International Cessna 170 Association

During the annual we started just last week we found that fuel does not shut off fully when in the off position.

I think it’s time for a rebuild of the selector valve on my ‘52 B model SN 20746. I’ve already ordered the McFarlane kit with the O rings and gasket and read this entire post plus George’s article twice. I’m heading to the hangar now to do the “push test”. If it passes that we may defer the rebuilding of the valve until warmer weather allows working outside or at least with my hangar door fully open. If anyone has some recent learning to pass on please chime in.

I agree with Karl’s comment that the learning provided here is worth much more than the price of admission.

I have never had indication to service my Fuel Valve. B s.n.26433.
If I ever come to that the rebuild will be triple checked.

The subject "manual mistake WARNING" should give us all Pause. I had an incident once (rear seat passenger reached down and shut fuel OFF) while landing . I/A talked me out of safety wiring it ON. There are more stories out there.


I can envision Bruce reading the IPC and realizing the IPC is wrong -- I will do it MY WAY. Thank You Bruce.

Go to YOUTUBE watch Frank Sinatra sing MY WAY 15 million views.

You will especially if you turn it to off every flight. And likely you’ll be stranded, so I’d recommend getting the gasket and o’ring kit from McFarland aviation

Found this gasket on my workbench and thought it might give others a reason to look at their installs. Check out the cracks in the rubber, I’m thinking this gasket could be 30-35 years old.
The large hole was intact and tore when the gasket was removed but the bottom edge had totally eroded away between the mating surfaces.