fuel sensor

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tonylee
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fuel sensor

Post by tonylee »

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site. I have a 2005 Diamond DA40 and recently my left fuel sensor went out. My local FBO is not a diamond certified center but the mechanic looked up the specs and apparently it's going to take removal of the wing and insertion of a new sensor which is a very extensive (and expensive) endeavor. I'm afraid to do the work locally b/c given that they are not familiar with my plane it could take much longer and drive up the cost. I'm in Kentucky and any info would be helpful.
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carym
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by carym »

Give Doug Miller a call at 4I7 (Greencastle, Indiana). He is a Diamond Service Center mechanic and is quite familiar with both the DA40 and DA42. His rates are quite good, even since he has increased his rate. His number is 765-721-1289. He services Diamonds from IN, OH, KY (and probably elsewhere).
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Chris B
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by Chris B »

tonylee wrote:I'm afraid to do the work locally b/c given that they are not familiar with my plane it could take much longer and drive up the cost. I'm in Kentucky and any info would be helpful.
Hi Tony -

Welcome to DAN!

Based on my experience, this replacement is *really* easy to screw-up (see this post, including the external link to more detailed pics: link). You can't get the fuel sensor re-installed without removing the tanks (a spacer drops inside the tank when the fuel sensor probe is removed). And you definitely want to have tank removal/replacement done by someone with lots of DA40 experience!

Another alternative is Glenn Lawler, who used to train Diamond service centers. His shop is located at KRUQ in Salisbury NC.

Chris
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Colin
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by Colin »

In case you are wondering, one of the big problems is that the sensor is a long thin rod and when you install it in the tank you put it all the way in and then screw it into the opening with a threaded connection. It's apparently *really* easy to get cross threaded and that happens regularly at the factory. They replaced one here at West Coast Aviation and had to order a new tank because it got cross threaded and it destroyed the threaded opening.
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CFIDave
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by CFIDave »

+1 on using Glenn Lawler at SouthTecAviation. He really knows and has experience replacing/repairing DA40 fuel sensors/tanks/etc.
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Joey
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by Joey »

I had my local guys do it (not diamond guys) and they thought it was fairly easy but tedious to do. The wing comes off and the tanks get pulled. If you want to go to a Diamond experienced guy, I'd recommend Dillons Aviation in Greenville NC (KPGV).
Joey Ritchie
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Keith M
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by Keith M »

When one of the sensors failed in my 2006 DA40TDI, both had to be replaced, because the original was no longer made and they have to match. Expensive job!
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by Tommy »

carym wrote:Give Doug Miller a call at 4I7 (Greencastle, Indiana). He is a Diamond Service Center mechanic and is quite familiar with both the DA40 and DA42. His rates are quite good, even since he has increased his rate. His number is 765-721-1289. He services Diamonds from IN, OH, KY (and probably elsewhere).
I have had every annual and intermittent service done by Doug since I have owned my plane (2007) and couldn't be happier with the service, price and quality of work. On site hotel and restaurant make the experience even better. The restaurant is great by the way and very inexpensive. I assure you, if you go there you will be nicely surprised. :thumbsup:
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eHotAir
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by eHotAir »

Thanks for the tip on Doug Miller. I just bought my DA40 in March. After meeting the mechanic guys :shock: at my local airport, I was wondering what I was going to do at annual time :-D
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tonylee
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Re: fuel sensor

Post by tonylee »

Thanks for the info guys. I called Doug miller in Indiana. I also called a guy closer with diamond experience but is not a diamond service center.
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