Difference between standard and long range tanks in a 172

[Aug]

Is there a visual method to tell the difference between standard and long range tanks in a Cessna 172? (short of draining the fuel and measuring)

Sometimes I rent and there may not be a dipstick handy in which case I usually keep a couple in my bag. Not all fillers are placarded.

I am looking to find out if there is a simple/ quick method of telling during my pre-flight inspection

Thanks!

[gustind]

A placard is required on the top of the wing by the fuel cap stating the volume of fuel in the tank as well as the type of fuel that can be used.

[azimuthaviation]

The POH as well as the W&B info that's supposed to be with the plane should each tell you. Additionally, someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but a dipstick for long range and regular tanks are interchangeable as far as depth goes. Like the graticule for quarter and half tank are the same, but the respective quantities are obviously different.

[Ruddervator]

If you happen to be airborne and forget whether you're in a standard or long range C172, just cast a quick glance down to your fuel selector valve. Should look something like this.

[Aug]

Someone mentioned offline that perhaps the distance between a line of rivets or screws would indicate whether it had standard or long range tanks? Perhaps the distance between them would indicate the difference? Can anyone confirm or deny?

[trey kule]

Counting the lines of rivets or screws!! To determine fuel capacity!!! Definitely a fool proof method. Good grief..

You got your answer a few posts back;;;;

The POH as well as the W&B info that's supposed to be with the plane should each tell you

Many planes IIRC also have the fuel capacity in the front page of the journey log, as well as oil type, hydraulic type, tire pressures etc. As well as the aircraft ser no. so you can confirm the POH is the correct one for the plane.

And if you are renting, you can confirm with someone who is familiar with the plane.

BTW. if there is not a current and accurate weight and balance and POH you might question whether you should be flying the plane or not.

[StudentPilot]

It's been awhile since I flew 172s, but I seem to recall the panel over the fuel tank on the standard range models was rectangular while the panel over the long range tanks was an "L" shape.

[Aug]

It's been awhile since I flew 172s, but I seem to recall the panel over the fuel tank on the standard range models was rectangular while the panel over the long range tanks was an "L" shape.

That's exactly what I needed to find out...

It seems that the long range tanks indeed have this 'L' shape, around (I think) the flap pulley.

Standard tanks appear to be a straight line without the 'L'.

This is the long range tank in question:



Also, I drained this tank dry today and refilled it with 95 litres of fuel, and that equals 25 gallons.

Case solved. I will make sure this is placarded properly.

And yes, I ground run the airplane with a full runup on the tank I emptied to make sure there was no air left in the lines in case there was....

[co-joe]

Hopefully you weren't in the air when you ran it dry?

[Aug]

Hopefully you weren't in the air when you ran it dry?

No, no, no.... we drained them with the fuel drains on the wing and the engine fuel drain on the ground... had the airplane grounded and also two fire extuinguishers nearby....