A320
Troubleshooting; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Work Refused
Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy; Aircraft
[After fueling was complete] we showed 32.2K on the total fuel quantity gauge and adding the individual fuel quantity gauges together agreed. During the Before Start Checklist; however; the left inboard fuel gauge lost 2;000 LBS and the total fuel quantity gauge showed the 2;000 LBS lost as well.Maintenance was called and drained 2.5 gallons of water from the left main tank and a company Mechanic stated that fuel sample checks were not being performed as required. Ultimately; mechanics could not fix problem and we refused the aircraft due to class 2 nav.
Maintenance reset circuit breakers; waved chicken bones; prayed and changed the fuel processor. Still 10;200. Changed fuel processor; 10;200. Maintenance Control suggested checking for water in tank. The first Mechanic said they drained five gallons of water out of left main; second Mechanic said 2.5 gallons and said every second check; fuel sample should have been taken and; obviously; wasn't.
An A320 flight crew refused their aircraft and canceled the flight when fuel gauge discrepancies occurred followed by the discovery of significant amounts of water in the fuel.