Howdy, Harry. Your point on water in the gas is very well taken. They may be "As strong as the Nation," but the Continental motors just don't burn it.
I have used a fuel sample tube ever since I started flying. By drawing a bit of fuel from every quick drain (3 on my Ercoupe), I assure myself that water is not lurking in the tanks. Just draining onto the grass does not do the job IMHO. One either wastes good gas, or takes a chance on not getting it all out. These tubes are plastic, and available at most FBOs for $7 or so. The one I have has a screw driver (both clibers - phillips and straight) on the end. works great for getting off the one side of the cowl without the dzu fasteners, and tightening the many loose screws on 29H. Not the one behind the wheel, though ... :-) In that regard, I have added a check to the check list to be sure I know where this sample tube and tank dip stick are before engine start. I lost one somewhere between Portland, Oregon and Roswell, New Mexico, that I had had since my student pilot days. Covering the fuel caps is also important. My wing tanks are the straight cap, no float gage. I have a cover for the header tank - rubber from a "plumbers friend," with the handle part cut out and a Pepsi can inserted. Works good, but not as good as having ones plane in a hanger. Percy
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