REFLECTOR: Uneven Fuel Flow

[Fred Anderka]

One of the items on the pre-flight checklist should be to check the fuel vent line for obstruction.  There is a species of mud dauber wasp that lays its eggs in 1/4" - 3/8" openings inserts a paralyzed caterpillar and then seals the end with mud.  Really plays hell with the fuel flow and does not show up until you have used a few gallons of fuel and you may run into fuel starvation.  There are covers available for vent lines with a flag attached similar to pitot covers.  If you store your bird for any length of time try to protect any small opening from these pesky wasps.

Fred
C-GHOL, XL-RG