Jeff, the tip tank solenoids are usually repairable, so have you inquired of Webco or Comanchegear.com if they can assist you? The are other facilities that support the Comanche fleet, but perhaps you can tell us what inquiries that you have made, and what occurred to the existing solenoid?

It's a gravity fed system, the solenoid being either at the wing root or just inside in the belly, and the way that it works is that fuel gravity feeds from the tip tank on one side or the other into a tee in a fuel pipe, the aux tank if I recall correctly.

You are correct in understanding that it is a Duke's solenoid valve, and it appears that Duke's either closed or was absorbed into another company. I was aware that, maybe twenty years ago, that Duke's was bought by a French company, but since then I haven't followed them.

I Googled and I saw a reference to Quality Aircraft Accessories. Quality Aircraft has a habit of buying old stock from a company (like Duke's) when it closes, so you might contact Quality Aircraft Accessories and inquire what they have, if any, in the way of parts.

The pandemic has changed a lot of things since the shutdown stopped most general aviation flying so people simply parked their planes and didn't buy parts and components, so many companies closed.

As for Gami buying the line from Osborne, I'm very surprised that they don't have a suggestion for you (and the rest of the fleet). 

Just as a comment, the topic of failing solenoid valves has been with us for a very long time and the solution has generally been to open them up, clean them out, and get them back into service. I hope that you kept your last shell from the one that you replaced since I reckon that they would be repairable . I'm wondering if you are an A&P or IA, and what your IA might propose. He might locate a replacement solenoid which you could install if your IA can get a 337 signed by an FAA inspector?

You didn't put your phone number in the topic submission otherwise I would have called you and gone over these points.

Pat Barry

@patricbarry 

Thank you Pat.  The last one I replaced I purchased new from Osborne in 2009.  I was unaware they could be repaired.  A gentleman from GAMI emailed me today and indicated when they purchased Osborne there were only 2 solenoids left in the stock and GAMI is currently working with a company that he did not mention, to produce more solenoids.  Within 8 weeks they will be in the test phase and then the PMA route, which would have them available by Summer 2022.  I will call Webcomic Monday morning and check around when things are open.  I am not an A&P.  Living in Arizona, I fortunately have used my aircraft more in the last 1 1/2 years than in previous years.

Thank you for the information.

Jeff

My phone# (480) 227-4361

I received an email from Mr. Paul Phillips at PHILL-AIR, INC this morning and he explained that they will overhaul these solenoids if they are not corroded inside.  He recommended draining fuel frequently from all of the tanks to avoid corrosion in these solenoids and the fuel selector valves. PHILL-Air is located in Dover, DE.  His contact information is:

(302) 399-1086 Cell

www.phill-air.com

Good luck,

Jeff Matar

Paul is a good man, and is one of the ICS technical contributors. Definitely send him the solenoid and let him deal with it.

I stand corrected.  My Phillips does not overhaul the Tip Tank Solenoids.  Contact him at the number provided and speak with him regarding the tip tank solenoids.

Jeff Matar