I got an email from FAA over the weekend that there is a concern on Gen 1 fuel selectors. In 5 years, I've never had an issue with it. Anyone else has had an issue selecting the tank?

Here is the piper SB
https://s3.amazonaws.com/pipercrm/Solut ... 20840A.pdf

Here is the faa concern
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices ... lector.pdf

That new kit (which has been available since the 1970's) is a heck of a lot better than the old plate. Also, the new valve (Allen 6S122) is way, way better than the original one that was in my 1965 Cherokee.

Installed it all in the process of restoring my Cherokee 180 many years ago. You'll like it, a lot.

There have been a number of accidents over the years from mis-selecting the fuel with the original plate and the hardware-store fuel valve.

I can easily see how. The original fuel valve was a little-bitty piece of junk, and it barely has detents when they're new. They always leak with age (though can be re-packed), and the detent wears to the point where you can't feel any clicks at all. Then all you can do is aim the pointer at a faded mark on the plate plate that's down at your ankle, while you're flying the plane. You can easily shut the fuel off without meaning to, by just moving the handle to an indeterminate point between settings.

The new style cover and handle looks a lot nicer and it is easier to operate, the valve is incredibly better, less likely to leak and has very positive detents and turns smoothly. The new cover also has a positive lockout, so you can't accidentally shut it off. Makes it really easy to select fuel tank by feel.

Highly recommend it. Never regretted it.

Thanks Larry. I'll have to add this to my list of projects!

My Gen 1 selector (flat plate) has never been an issue on my Pa28-160 and I've owned the plane since 1990.

With that said the detents are solid and a non issue for me.The change to gen 2 and 3 was as a result of one poorly maintained fuel selector valve that seized between the two selections for tanks and a crash resulted.There were some issues withGen 2 that brought about the Gen 3 selectors.

There are currently several older Pa28's flying with the Gen 1 selectors and that seems to be what PIPER is concerned about??? The FAA is asking for input before going down the AD path.BTW there is also similar activity regarding hoses inside the engine area.

I believe this SB and possible AD is NOT a change in the valve assembly, but is only a change in the selector mechanism.

The SB is for the newer-style cover

The newer valve is the current part number in the Piper manual.

Highly, highly, highly recommend both!!!!

Take the interior panel off and I guarantee there's a blue stain in the insulation around the fuel valve.

Maybe I'm lucky but no blue stain had the side panel off 6 mos ago to install wing root fairings,off now redoing the interior of course YMMV It has been off multiple times in the past 25+ years for other items too.