Andrew Sarangan wrote in news:ec390484-a14f-475c-
:

On Feb 24, 5:40 pm, B A R R Y wrote:
On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:15:07 -0800 (PST), Andrew Sarangan

wrote:

I have flown airplanes with a fuel sump drain that would not close
properly. This always happened when I took a fuel sample from the
sump, so it was was easy to notice it and fix it. But if it can
happen
on the ground, it could also happen during flight.

Your sump re-opened itself?

There's a difference between not closed, as in you just removed the
jar, and a sump opening by itself.

I'm not saying it can't happen, but the two conditions are very
different.

No it did not re-open by itself, just refused to close. I ended up
with a big puddle of fuel on the floor by the time I forced it in. I
realize it is spring loaded and is not the same thing as coming lose
on its own. However, whats to say that a sudden upward acceleration
can't pop the valve open?


That doesn't happen. it's usually grit in the seat that keps them from
closing properly or a badly gummed up drain.

Being on the underside of the fuselage/wing
there will be no way of knowing if there is a small leak.

Well, if you check it carefully after you drain it, it's extremely
unlikely.


Bertie