A little boring history, these fuel selector valve and strainer assemblies were originally manufactured by Airborne Mechanisms in Cleveland, Ohio.
Shaw Aero Devices here in Naples purchased the rights; subsequently Parker Hannifin bought Shaw Aero Devices in 2007. I was contacted by Shaw a couple years ago when there were having difficulty with their new Twin Comanche valve; I assisted in a small way.
When I asked in turn for a “favor“, regarding the parts breakdown on the 400 valve to possibly have replacement parts available, guess where that went.
Parker [Shaw] manufactures the new SS valves for the twins; they make no mention of the 400 valve – I tried.
PA24-400 Fuel Selector Valve
Shown partially assembled
PA24-400 Fuel Selector Valve
Shown assembled
This one has an illegal modification, the addition of a spacer to accommodate the shorter Twin Comanche stainless steel bowl. I have the original bowls available, freshly cadmium plated. The SS bowl is not flat-bottom; this is better because it directs water to the drain instead of cornering it aft in the flat-bottom bowl. If you want this mod, do like the owner of this one did, install it yourself.
PA-24-400 Fuel Valve and Filter Cutaway
Problems to Watch For
If yours has seen the rigors-of mortis via the thoughtless application of such a crude devise as a vise-grip, you may be out of luck. There are no spare parts available as I mentioned previously. In this case you’ll have to locate a serviceable valve or component to send for service. Don’t let this happen to your expensive valve.
If your valve shows signs of becoming difficult to rotate [i.e. select another position] do not take this route as it will render your valve a very expensive desk-top “what’s that?” device. Parker’s current price for a new Twin Comanche valve is $3,865; what would one cost that is not available?
If yours is transferring fuel [see the AD 79-12-08 and the SL-851 part A] or difficult to rotate positions, it’s time to get it fixed. I can service your valve and provide a yellow tag referencing the SCSM service procedure, and these references mentioned.
Contact Comanche Gear
Please provide your complete details for invoicing such as your Card Billing Address, Shipping Address, and Aircraft Information. If you want to gab on the phone don’t hesitate to call, especially if you want to order something. If you have a problem-solving dilemma I can help with that too. This website doesn’t have internet ordering capabilities; that is for those more sophisticated. My email isn’t shown here because of scam artists and other shenanigans.
