Piper Malibu PA-46-310P Pilot Operating Handbook page 268

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
PA-46-310P, MALIBU
SECTION 7
DESCR/OPERATION
Fuel leaving the left or right collector/ sump tank flows to a selector
valve which is located on the right fuselage side behind the co-pilot's seat in a
non-pressurized compartment. All fuel lines passing through the pressurized
cabin are metal tubes surrounded by plastic cushion and encased by a second
metal tube. This second tube is sealed from the cabin environment to
preclude fuel from entering the cabin area or pressurized cabin air from
entering fuel lines in the event of a leak.
The selector valve is cable controlled by a thumbsized handle just below
the fuel quantity gauges. The detented selections are OFF, LEFT, RIGHT.
LEFT or RIGHT positions diree,t fuel flow to the engine from the tank
selected and route engine vapor return back to the same tank. To select OFF
the fuel selector must
be
moved tc the left tank position, moved down
against spring pressure, then moved .-o the far left, or OFF position.
Fuel flows from the fuel selector forward to the fuel filter located below
the baggage floor on the right side. The filter drain is a nylon tube located on
the right side of the aircraft, forward of the wing. To drain fuel simply push
in the nylon tube. If contaminants clog the filter, an internal relief valve will
allow fuel to bypass the filter. This will allow unfiltered fuel to reach the
engine and could contaminate the fuel distribution system in the engine.
NOTE
Regular servicing of the filter and examination
of fuel samples for contamination is required.
Fuel flows from the filter, forward through the fire wall and into the
engine compartment, where lines and fittings up to the engine-driven pump
are protected by shielding. One shield protecting lines and fittings attached
to the fire wall has a tube drain on the right side of the cowl between the
exhaust fairing and the nose gear door.
WARNING
Do not start the engine with fuel leaking from
the shielding tube drain. Fuel here indicates a
possible leak in main fuel or vapor return lines
in the engine compartment.
In the engine-driven fuel pump, vapor in the fuel is separated for return
to the selected tank. Vapor lines generally run parallel with fuel lines. A
vapor return check valve is located below the baggage compartment near the
ISSUED: JANUARY 11, 1984
REPORT: VB-1200
7-19