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Originally Posted by Eric Olson
Could one just drain all useable fuel and then add fuel one gallon each side, so two gallons at a time, and mark a wooden stick in one gallon increments? I would think this should work with the airplane sitting in a wings level position. If one gallon is added in each tank and a few moments allowed to self level, it should be very accurate. You could close the fuel valve to stop the tanks from feeding each other and the fuel self leveling, throwing off the readings. Then just fill one tank and take the measurements. But, it might be more accurate, no chance of fuel valve allowing some internal leakage, if each tank was filled one gallon at a time and they self level through the fuel valve.

Am I missing something that would make this idea not work?

You could drain the useable fuel through the belly drain. It would take a while, but it could be done.

I don't understand your definition of "self level." Fuel in the tank is always level. But if you mean the two tanks seeking level with each other, that takes a bit longer. BTW: closing the Fuel Shutoff Valve will not stop the tanks from feeding each other. It only stops fuel from leaving the tanks. They will still vent between each other because they are connected upstream of the valve.

Now, if you get two guys, two ladders, two one-gallon fuel containers, two dipsticks, and they add one gallon to each tank at the same time, they will be level. They could mark each tank and you could compare the results.

Also, if the airplane is completely drained down to unusable fuel thru the belly drain, part of that first gallon will go into the line to the drain. It won't be much, but you will not have a true "one gallon" in the tank.
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Fuel System.pdf (324.93 KB, 5 downloads)


Mark Buchner
East Coast Outkast Fearless Leader
and Cessna 150-152 Fly-In Foundation Director of Operations

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I use a 150 Fuelstick & the 152 Fuelhawk, they both seem to read the same.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/05-12341.php

Als,o check out this newsletter, it has an article with all the math done for making one

https://www.cessna150152.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/65512/filename/200305.pdf

Last edited by Ricky Barrette; 05/08/25 12:55 AM.

N21966 - 1973 150L
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I am using a glass calibrated tube to measure fuel in each tank showing up to 12 gallons from Sportys that is supposed to be OK for the 150. I have recently purchased a 1975 150M. When I use the tube and it says 8 gallons each side - is that usable or unusable fuel I am looking at. (16 gallons - 3.5 = 12.5 gallons = 12.5 usable) or is it (16 gallon usable)? I am finding conflicting info on the internet and the POH tells me 26 total with 22.5 usable but doesn't answer my question. Thanks

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The 150 is 26Gal total (13per side) but only 22.5 is usable. The POH is the go to source.
If you fill your tanks to the bottom of the filler neck and measure with the tube you bought from Sportys and it reads just over 11 gal in each tank then that is usable. If it reads 13 each side then it is total and you need to subtract 1.75 each side to get useful amount.


Ron Stewart
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Originally Posted by Ron Stewart
The 150 is 26Gal total (13per side) but only 22.5 is usable. The POH is the go to source.
If you fill your tanks to the bottom of the filler neck and measure with the tube you bought from Sportys and it reads just over 11 gal in each tank then that is usable. If it reads 13 each side then it is total and you need to subtract 1.75 each side to get useful amount.

I don't know how the Sporty's fuel stick is marked, but can we go by this: if the 1-gal mark is very near the bottom end of the stick then it indicates actual fuel level, if it's away from the bottom of the stick (i.e. has a blank area) then it indicates usable fuel level?


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