Why not just repair my valve?

Many of the original valves have too much damage to be repaired cost-effectively. The original Cessna fuel valve that started in model 170 was a simple but ingenious cam ball design that has proven very reliable over the years. McFarlane has repaired a lot of these original Cessna valves, and we know them well. However, we are now rejecting a big percentage of the valve cores sent to us. A lot of them have corrosion damage in the main body that is too severe to fix, or the O-ring retention area is damaged and too rough to seal. Many of the fittings are corroded through. The cam bearing is brass and easily corrodes the aluminum alloy cam. Due to the poor condition of many original valves, McFarlane developed a totally new valve that was designed just like the original valve but with improvements where needed.

Proven Design with Improvements

Improved corrosion resistance: McFarlane’s new valves are totally anodized where the original valves were Alodine conversion coated. This change drastically improves the surface durability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of all the components, and they will stay pretty too! Corrosion protection is important since the valves are at the lowest point in the fuel system without any upstream water separation or contaminate screening. We have also eliminated the brass bushing that corrodes the cam.

Improved O-ring retention: Modern machining processes lets us precision machine the O-ring capture cavity. The original valve O-rings were retained by staking (stamp forming) the housing. This process was inconsistent at best and distressed and weakened the surrounding aluminum structure.

More balanced fuel flow: Yesterday’s manual machining process of the original valves were often inconsistent enough to let one port flow more fuel than needed while the other port might flow a very marginal amount of fuel. The new McFarlane valve is computer machined for a perfect balance of fuel flow.

Fully Tested

You can rest assured that if it’s a new McFarlane valve or a valve repaired by McFarlane, it will be pressure, functional, and flow tested to perform to the highest standards.

Now for more good news!!

All of the improved parts that go into our new valve are interchangeable with the original Cessna valve. This means that if your valve is good with the exception of a few parts, we can fix it at a reasonable price! Whether you need your valve repaired or a new valve, McFarlane will save you money.