Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Fuel imbalance 900 LBS after leveloff; tried to open crossfeed valve; would not open. Noticed crossfeed CB tripped. Referenced QRH consulted Maintenance Control on radio and reset CB. Opened the crossfeed valve to balance fuel; CB tripped again. Imbalance continued to about 1;700 LBS while talking to Maintenance and discussing situation [we] decided to divert to safest and closest airport. Landed without incident. Mechanical failure of valve.
B737 Captain notes a fuel imbalance after leveloff; which cannot be corrected with the crossfeed valve. The valve circuit breakers are found tripped and reset; after discussion with Maintenance Control; but trip again when the valve is opened. Flight diverts to a suitable airport.