My coupe has had the center tank removed and is set up to operate from both wing tanks. This was done by a previous owner and I have checked the system as per information in the 337 done when the modification was completed and all operates satisfactory. The system works great for me as all my flights are of short duration.
My problem is with the fuel caps which are the type originally used with the center tank. Plastic tube & float which can only read the top 4 1/2 gal in each 9 gal tank. This limits how long I fly each leg as I will not fly with my fuel gauge reading "E" even when I know it only reads half of the tank quantity. The previous owner advised me to make sure that the fuel cap vents are pointing forward and that the vents must be "Plugged". Each seems to have a small wooden plug in it. It all has worked fine for the year that I have owned the coupe however the last few flights I have noticed that I seem to be using fuel from the left tank only in flight. The right gauge stays full and the left comes down as you fly. As soon as you land and do not have the airflow the level of the tanks equals and the gauges read the same. My first idea was to swap caps but I find that neither will line up forward in the opposite tank. Before I start the process of trial and error I wonder if anyone else has had experience with this situation. Do the vents need to be plugged? If so, what is best to use as a match stick seems less than professional. Are these the best caps to use in this configuration bearing in mind that I have no other fuel gauge? Any other ideas or advice would be appreciated. Bill Farthing
