SECTION IX
FUEL SYSTEM
9-1. INTRODUCTION. The fuel system components covered in this section consist of the fuel tanks, selector
valves, filter screens and fuel pump. Instructions are given for remedying difficulties which may arise in the
normal operation of the fuel system. The instructions are organized so the mechanic can refer to: Removal,
Repair, Installation and Adjustment of each part of the system.
Maintenance for carburetion and fuel injection may be found under Power Plant, Section V 111 .
9-2. DESCRIPTION. The airplanes are equipped with aluminum fuel tanks consisting of one in the inboard
leading edge section of each wing. Each tank has a capacity of 25 gallons. A strainer is installed in the fuel
outlet of each tank. From the tank outlet a fuel line is routed through the wings to the fuel selector valve located
on the left side of the cabin in front of the pilot's seat; from the fuel selector valve a line leads to the fuel strainer
bowl mounted on the left forward face of the firewall. A fuel line is routed from the strainer bowl to the electric
fuel pump, engine driven fuel pump and then to the carburetor or injection inlet port. Two electrical fuel quantity
gauges are mounted within the instrument cluster. Each gauge is connected to a transmitter unit installed in the
fuel tanks.
9-3. TROUBLESHOOTING. Troubles peculiar to the fuel system are listed in Table IX-III along with their
probable causes and suggested remedies. When troubleshooting, check from the power supply to the items
affected. If no trouble is found by this method, the trouble probably exists inside individual pieces of equipment;
they may be removed from the airplane and an identical unit or units, tested and known to be good, installed in
their place.
9-4. FUEL TANKS.
9-5. REMOVAL OF FUEL TANKS.
a. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank. (Refer to Draining Fuel System, Section 11.)
b. Remove the screws from around the perimeter of the tank assembly.
c. Pull the tank away from the wing assembly far enough to gain access for removal of the sender wire and
disconnect the fuel line from the forward and aft outlets.
d. The tank is now free to be removed.
9-6. INSPECTION AND REPAIR OF FUEL TANK.
Inspection and repair of fuel tanks is limited to inspecting for dents and leaks.
9-7. INSTALLATION OF FUEL TANK.
a. Slide the main tank partly into position and connect the sender wire and fuel line to the forward and aft
outlets
b. Slide the tank completely into place and secure with screws around its perimeter.
c. Fill the fuel tank and check for leaks, unrestricted fuel flow and proper sender indications on the quantity
gauge. (Refer to paragraph 9-14.)
PIPER AIRCRAFT
PA-28-161 CADET
AIRPLANE MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Issued: FEBRUARY. 28, 1989
FUEL SYSTEM
2A11
