Simple Fuel System Maintenance Tips for General Aviation Aircraft
An engine that barely sputters to life after weeks sitting in the hanger. A prop plane that struggles to maintain consistent power output. Rough idling, stalling, or hard starts. These tell-tale symptoms of a contaminated fuel system are an urgent sign it’s time for maintenance, before fuel starvation sets in—and your engine performance takes a dangerous hit.
When these fuel contaminants build up, engine performance takes a nosedive
Without proper maintenance and an airtight system, over time, a variety of contaminants like water, debris, algae, and more can build up in your fuel system and block the fuel from reaching the engines. Some contaminants, like water, can be avoided by replacing worn out fuel caps and filters periodically, but others, like surfactants or microbes trapped in the system, require more serious repairs.
Where do these fuel contaminants come from?
In flight, as the temperature of the fuel in your tanks drops, any water held in the fuel or trapped in the tank can sink and freeze in the lowest points of your system, blocking your fuel inlet pipes. Whether that water comes from in-system condensation or a loose fuel cap, it’s a contaminant worth watching for.
Microbes, or ‘fuel bugs’ can also grow in water-contaminated fuel, coating your system in a sticky sludge that corrodes critical parts of the system and starves your engine of fuel.
Rust and corrosion, issues worsened by the presence of water in the tank, tend to start at the lowest point of the tank—the same place fuel leaves the tank and enters the fuel lines. The debris from this corrosion can clog your fuel filters or worse, lead to tank perforation.
Don’t underestimate the fundamentals of fuel system maintenance
Regular fuel system inspections and basic maintenance are your best defense against fuel contamination. That means not just replacing your fuel filters at regular intervals, but also cleaning the screens that catch larger contaminants—and regularly inspecting your tanks and lines for signs of wear, tear, and leakage.
Here are a few of the simplest ways to keep contaminants out of your system—and your aircraft running smoothly:
- Schedule regular fuel system inspections
The inspection should check for any signs of rust or corrosion in the fuel tanks, lines, and fittings, and inspect for leads or damage. Also, examine fuel caps and seals to make sure you have a tight fit, preventing moisture ingress.
- Properly handle and store your fuel
Always use clean, high-quality fuel. Contaminants can collect in the fuel supply, so it’s a good idea to test a sample of the fuel before you put it in your aircraft, especially if you’re using a new supplier. If you need to store the fuel, keep it in a cool, dry place to minimize the risk of condensation.
- Keep any water drained
Water can accumulate in fuel through condensation. Regularly draining your fuel tanks, especially if your aircraft has been sitting for a while, can remove the water before it accumulates to a dangerous level.
- Use fuel additives periodically
Biocides and other fuel additives can help control microbial growth in your fuel, preventing the sludge buildup that blocks up your fuel lines.
At the end of the day, only comprehensive, routine checks of your entire fuel system ensure water and other contaminants are detected quickly and resolved early, before your engine is fuel-starved.
For fuel system inspections, repairs, and maintenance, call Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma
Don’t let fuel system issues ground your plans. Our dedicated fuel shop, staffed by a full team of experienced techs, is here to help you keep your most critical systems running at peak performance, whether you’re a daily flier or hobby pilot.
For expert advice, maintenance, or repair services, message us at airacc1@airacc.com or call (800) 255-9924.
