Help! I recently aqcuired an interest in a great Ercoupe, but I think it has a major problem with the fuel system. At some point in its history the nose tank was removed and the fuel lines replaced. An electric fuel pump was added, so the plane has two pumps; the mechanical pump and the newer electrical pump. The wing tanks were not replaced; they are 8 gallons each, so the plane only has a max useable of about 15 or so gallons of fuel.
On its most recent flight, (starting with full tanks), the left wing tank was found to be nearly empty (added 7.4 gal) while the right wing tank was only down 2 gallons. (Plane lost power in flight and I had to make an emergency landing. All went well and the plane was safely landed). I suspected a blocked vent cap, and sure enough the right ring tank cap vent was blocked. I cleaned it out and verified that it was clear. I reinstalled the caps and taxied the plane for about 10 minutes. The fuel pressure guage was reading a little low, and the fuel pressure warning light was flashing, indicating low pressure. I grounded the plane and called a mechanic and this is when I discovered the REAL problem. Apparently, the nose tank removal was undocumented. No STC anywhere in the plane's otherwise excellent documentation and no mention of the modification in any of the logs. The mechanic declined to work on the fuel system unless there was documentation of the modification. I did find reference to an STC to replace the wing tanks with 15 gallon tanks, but nothing specifically addressing the removal of the nose tank. (The plane has had upgraded avionics installed and I'm guessing the nose tank was removed to make room for the avionics). The plane has an STC to replace the instrument panel and, again, I'm guessing that was when the nose tank was removed. One of the major maintence items that was performed on this plane about 3 months ago was the complete replacement of all the fuel lines in conjunction with the annual inspection. I have a couple of questions: 1. Is the plane technically not airworthy because of the undocumented removal of the nose tank? 2. Is there an STC that covers the removal of the nose tank? 3. If #1 is true, what are my options? Thanks for the help.
