Incident Overview
The pilot of a Piper PA-28-140 reported departing on a cross-country flight with full fuel tanks. After 2 hours and 5 minutes of flight, the engine lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a field.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the tanks and a fuel stain on the firewall. When fuel was added and the fuel system pressurized, fuel leaked from the b-nut at the exit side of the engine-driven fuel pump. The b-nut could be tightened two full turns by hand.
Maintenance History
The engine had recently been removed and replaced, and the fuel sensors in the wings changed. The maintenance was performed at an FAA-approved repair station. However, there was no specific requirement for inspection of fuel lines prior to returning the airplane to service.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that he did not believe the accuracy of the fuel gauges.