Sorry, I know this is an old topic, but I just wanted to ask:

Since the center tank has 4 pumps, and there for higher pressure,  by opening the cross-feeds of 1 & 3, would that not drain the center first? Once the tanks are equal, then you can close the cross-feeds. What is the reason for shutting off the pumps on 1 & 3? I don't have an engineer, or a co-pilot, so if I forget to check my fuel config, by leaving the pumps on, if the center tank is depleted, the 1 & 3 should feed all engines because the cross-feeds are open? I seems safer to just leave the pumps on and use the valves to direct the fuel.