Piper Comanche PA-24 Service Manual page 87

Figure 2-16. Fuel Strainer and Drain
PA-24 and PA-24-250, S/N's 24-2299 and up;
and PA-24-260
Draining Fuel Valve and Strainers.
2-50.
a. On PA-24-180 and PA-24-250 aircraft bearing Serial Nos. 24-1 to 24-2298 inclusive, the fuel
strainer, equipped with an easy drain valve is mounted under the right forward section of the
fuselage. The fuel strainer drain (Figure 2-16) on PA-24-180 and PA-24-250 aircraft bearing Serial
Nos 24-2299 and up and PA-24-260 aircraft is located in the cabin floor just aft of the fuel selector
valve and is drained by opening the access door and moving the easy drain valve handle to the aft
position Draining is accomplished within the cockpit. A transparent plastic tube is attached to the
drain valve and extends through a hole in the bottom of the fuselage. Flow of the fuel is observed by
means of the transparent tube and should cease as observed through tube when the handle is
released. On the PA-24-400 (Figure 2-17). the fuel is drained from the cockpit by lifting up the red
knob located in the center of the fuel selector The fuel strainer should be drained regularly to check
for water or dirt accumulations.
b The procedure for draining the right and left tanks and lines is to open the easy drain valve for a few
seconds with the fuel tank selector valve on one tank. Then change the fuel selector to the opposite
tank and repeat the process. allowing enough fuel to flow out to clear water from the fuel line as
well as the fuel strainer The same procedure will apply when auxiliary fuel cells are installed by
simply selecting the right and left auxiliary fuel tank.
NOTE: During cold weather operation. if the sediment bowls drain slower than normal or not at
all. it could be an indication of ice at the drain and the aircraft should be hangered to thaw
out. and drained thoroughly
04/01/09
PIPER COMANCHE SERVICE MANUAL
1C10A
Figure 2-17. Fuel Selector and Drain
PA-24-400
II - HANDLING AND SERVICING