Fuel System

Piper SeminolePa-44

Fuel System

Fuel System

Fuel is stored in two 55-gallon fuel tanks, one in each engine nacelle. One gallon in each nacelle is unusable, giving a total of 108 usable gallons. The minimum grade of fuel is 100 octane. The fuel tank vents, located under each wing, feature an anti-icing design to prevent ice formation from blocking the fuel tank vent lines. There are two vent openings on the underside of each wing, one recessed into the wing and one extending below the surface. The two openings connect to one vent line (see fuel schematic).

Fuel Pumps

Fuel supply for normal operations is supplied through engine fuel pumps, one mounted on each engine. Auxiliary electric fuel pumps serve as a back-up feature. The electric fuel pumps are controlled by rocker switches on the switch panel located to the right and below the pilots control column. The electric fuel pumps should be on for takeoff, landing, and during maneuvers.

Fuel Controls and Crossfeed

The fuel management controls are located on the console between the front seats. There is a control lever for each engine, and each control is placarded ON – OFF - X-FEED. During normal operation, the levers are in the ON position, and each engine draws fuel from the same side as the engine. When the control lever is placed in the OFF position it shuts off fuel to the engine on that side. Placing the control lever in the X-

FEED position, the engine will draw fuel from the opposite side fuel tank.

NOTE: When one engine is inoperative and the fuel selector for the operating engine is placed in the X-FEED position, the selector for the inoperative engine must be placed in the OFF position.

Electric Engine Priming System

The fuel primer system is used to provide fuel to the engine during start up and makes use of the electric pumps mounted in each wing and solenoid controlled primer valves. Left and right primer switches are located on either side of the starter switch. The electric fuel pumps must be on to operate the electric fuel primers. With fuel pressure available, the primer button is depressed actuating the primer solenoid valve and

allowing fuel to flow through the lines to the primer jets in the intake of the #1, 2, and 4 cylinders.

Fuel System Drains

Before each flight, fuel must be drained from the low points in the fuel system to ensure that any accumulation of moisture or sediment is removed from the system. A fuel drain is provided for each half of the fuel system. The fuel drains are located on the right side of the fuselage just forward of the entrance step.

Fuel Gauges

Fuel quantities and pressures are indicated on gauges located to the left of the pilot’s column. There is a separate gauge for each tank. A calibrated fuel dipstick is provided to visually check the quantity of fuel in the tank. Insert the stink in the tank, close off the protruding end with finger, withdraw, and read the fuel level. Fuel pressure gauges are also provided, and should read .5 to 8 PSI for normal operation.

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Fuel System Specifications

Minimum Octane Required: 100 (Green)100 LL (Blue)

QuantityTotal: 110 Gallons (108 Usable)Each Tank: 55 Gallons (54 Usable)

Fuel Quantity Indicators:Each tank has two float type fuel quantity sensors, connected in series, to transmit fuel quantity to fuel gauges in the cockpit.

Minimum Fuel Quantity Required for Takeoff:

Engine Cylinder Utilization (Priming system/ Instruments Left Engine Right Engine

Manifold Pressure Line #3 Cylinder #4 CylinderCylinder Head Temp #4 Cylinder #2 CylinderPrimer Lines #1,2,4 Cylinders #1,2,3 CylindersExhaust Gas Temp #1 Cylinder #1 Cylinder

Fuel Pressure Gauge:Pickup is at the carburetor on the engine driven fuel pump outlet side.

Primer SolenoidAn electrically actuated valve will open, allowing fuel (pressurized from the electric fuel pump) to flow through the primer lines.