First Forced Landing
The pilot departed with the fuel selector set to the 'both' tanks position. During the flight, fuel appeared to have been mostly consumed from the right tank. To equalize the burn, the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to the left tank only position. Despite this, fuel continued to be used from the right tank. The engine quit when the right fuel tank gauge registered empty, while the left tank gauge indicated three-quarters full. The pilot executed a forced landing on a road.
Post-Landing Inspection and Second Flight
After landing, the pilot examined the airplane and noted that the fuel selector handle was 'real loose.' The pilot manually siphoned between 12 and 15 gallons of fuel from the left tank, poured it into the right tank, and then took off. Several seconds into the initial climb, between 100 and 150 feet above ground level, all engine power was lost again. Unable to return to the road, the pilot made a forced landing on rough terrain.
Examination of Fuel Selector Assembly
The fuel tank selector assembly was examined, and its control shaft was found disconnected at its attachment to the fuel valve assembly.