fuel sensor
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- tonylee
- 1 Diamond Member
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- First Name: tony
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fuel sensor
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.
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.
- carym
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Re: fuel sensor
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).
Cary
DA42.AC036 (returned)
S35 (1964 V-tail Bonanza)
Alaska adventure: http://mariashflying.tumblr.com
DA42.AC036 (returned)
S35 (1964 V-tail Bonanza)
Alaska adventure: http://mariashflying.tumblr.com
- Chris B
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Re: fuel sensor
Hi Tony -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.
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
- Colin
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Re: fuel sensor
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.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
- CFIDave
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Re: fuel sensor
+1 on using Glenn Lawler at SouthTecAviation. He really knows and has experience replacing/repairing DA40 fuel sensors/tanks/etc.
Epic Aircraft E1000 GX
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
- Joey
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Re: fuel sensor
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
DA40 XLS 40.940
JGG Williamsburg VA
DA40 XLS 40.940
JGG Williamsburg VA
- Keith M
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Re: fuel sensor
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!
-
- 5 Diamonds Member
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Re: fuel sensor
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.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).

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

Doug Robertson
- tonylee
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Re: fuel sensor
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.