Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 160; Flight Crew Type 55
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
Approximately 30 nm north on the 340 radial from ZZZ at 3;000 feet MSL engine failure was experienced.  Approximately 3 minutes prior to engine failure fuel tank selector was moved from both to left tank to compensate for uneven fuel burn.  Before and at the time of engine failure aircraft was on flight following with ZZZ approach.  Immediately upon experiencing engine failure ZZZ Approach was contacted and requested priority handling.  At this time; aircraft pitched for best glide speed and made 180 degree turn to ZZZZ.  Emergency procedures were followed; aircraft descended to 2;300 at 65 kts at which time fuel selector was placed back to both and engine power restored.  ZZZ Approach was contacted and made aware of restored engine power.  Aircraft climbed to 4;500 enroute to ZZZ to check and monitor systems circling over ZZZ.  Once definitive evidence showed that engine failure was related to fuel tank selector in left position and that all other systems were functioning normally ZZZ Approach was contacted and aircraft resumed heading from ZZZ to ZZZ1 at 4;500 with no further system failures.
C182 pilot reported the engine failed soon after switching the fuel tank selector from 'both' to 'left' position due to uneven fuel burn.  The pilot immediately pitched the aircraft for best glide speed; followed procedures; and was able to regain engine power when the fuel tank selector was placed back to 'both' position.