0726603-16 – Textron Aviation OEM Fuel Strainer Assembly
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Overview
The Textron Aviation 0726603-16 is a genuine OEM, flight-critical fuel strainer assembly, often referred to as a "finger strainer" or "fuel tank pickup screen." This component is a primary line of defense for the entire fuel system. It is installed directly within the fuel tank (on both bladder and metal tanks) to provide coarse filtration at the point of fuel pickup. Its essential function is to prevent large contaminants, debris, and water ice from entering the fuel lines, where they could block fuel flow or damage downstream components like the fuel selector, gascolator, and engine-driven fuel pump.
Manufactured from high-grade, corrosion-resistant steel, this strainer is engineered to withstand constant immersion in aviation fuel and to endure the high-vibration environment of the airframe. Its integrity is a non-negotiable requirement for ensuring a clean, uninterrupted supply of fuel to the engine.
Key Features
Genuine Textron Aviation OEM Part: The original, factory-specified component, guaranteeing correct fit, filtration media, and material compatibility.
Flight-Critical Safety Component: Provides the first stage of filtration to prevent catastrophic fuel starvation from in-tank debris.
Corrosion-Resistant Steel Construction: Engineered for a long service life with constant immersion in aviation fuel (Avgas).
Precise Filtration Mesh: Designed to stop larger contaminants while allowing for a high, unrestricted flow of fuel to the engine.
Wide Applicability: The standard OEM strainer for a vast fleet of Cessna's most popular single-engine aircraft.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 0726603-16
Component Type: Fuel Strainer Assembly (Fuel Tank Pickup Screen)
OEM Manufacturer: Textron Aviation (Cessna)
Material: Aerospace-Grade Corrosion-Resistant Metal
JASC Code: 2821 - Fuel Tanks
Aircraft Compatibility
This strainer is the specified OEM part for numerous Cessna aircraft, often serving as both the forward (FWD) and/or aft (AFT) strainer in the main fuel tanks.
Cessna 150: 150E, 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K, 150L, 150M
Cessna 152: 152
Cessna 172: 172F, 172G, 172H, 172K, 172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172RG
Cessna 177: 177, 177A, 177B
Cessna 180: 180H, 180J, 180K
Cessna 182: 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q
Note: This compatibility list is for general reference. Applicability can vary by aircraft serial number and specific tank configuration (e.g., standard, long-range, bladder). The aircraft's specific Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is the final and absolute authority for determining part applicability.
Applications
In-Tank Fuel Filtration: Serves as the primary fuel pickup screen inside the main fuel tanks.
Contaminant Prevention: Blocks debris (such as sealant, manufacturing debris, or rust) and ice from entering the fuel system.
Scheduled Maintenance & Inspection: A common replacement item during fuel tank inspections or bladder replacements to ensure continued safety and fuel system integrity.
Why Choose 0726603-16?
The 0726603-16 is a small, low-cost part that performs a life-saving function. A clogged or damaged strainer can lead to fuel starvation and complete engine failure. The genuine Textron OEM part is the only component guaranteed to be manufactured with the correct-micron-rated steel mesh and certified materials that will not corrode or degrade over time in fuel. Using a non-certified or unapproved part introduces an extreme risk. For the safety and airworthiness of your aircraft, there is no substitute for this genuine OEM strainer.
The engineering principle behind the 0726603-16 strainer is robust, first-stage contamination control. Unlike the fine-micron filter at the gascolator, this strainer's primary role is not to clean the fuel, but to protect the system. Its durable, coarse stainless steel mesh is engineered to stop large, "instant-failure" contaminants—such as a piece of flaked-off fuel tank sealant, manufacturing debris, or a large chunk of ice—that would immediately clog a finer filter or jam the fuel selector valve, causing sudden engine failure. The large surface area of the "finger" design ensures it can do this while providing a high, unrestricted flow rate, guaranteeing that the engine-driven pump is never starved of fuel. It is a critical, simple, and fail-safe component that ensures the reliability of the entire downstream fuel system.
Note: The 0726603-16 is a flight-critical fuel system component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P/IA mechanic. The fuel tank must be drained and proper procedures for working in a fuel-vapor-rich environment must be followed. All seals and gaskets associated with the installation should be replaced to ensure a leak-free reassembly.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM specification sheet was located for this proprietary part number. All authoritative technical data, installation procedures, and inspection criteria are contained within the official Textron Aviation Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for the applicable aircraft models.
Textron Notes
CATALOG ERROR IN 182 CATALOG P515-12 (FIG. 8 INDEX 8). PART IS SHORT FWD STRAINER - 3.44 INCHES.