On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 09:17:22 +0200, Thomas Borchert
wrote:

Robert,

I know exactely how
much fuel is in each tank.


Nope, you don't. In fact, without running the tanks dry at least once
(or emptying them in the hangar), you have no idea. You know how much
has gone from the tanks if there is no leak. That doesn't tell you at
all how much is left.

Coming back from HTL with full tanks, the gauge on the left main
started down. I didn't know if I had a gauge problem, or the tank was
leaking, or if the quick drain had failed. It was moving fast enough
that if it was correct I was going to be really wing heavy on the
right. As soon as I noticed the gauge going down I switched to the
right tank.

At any rate, I had filled the tank prior to starting out, but I had no
real idea as to how much gas was left. I knew I'd only burn about 4.5
gallons on the way home so I knew what *should* be in there, but not
how much I really had.

I did a precautionary landing at GDW. A check showed no leak and the
level was where it should be. When I fired back up the gauge was
reading properly.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com