I use the following procedures and settings with regard to fuel management:

Refueling:

1. Load all 4 main tanks equally.
2. After 1 and 4 main tanks are full, continue to load 2 and 3 main tanks.
3. After all main tanks are full, load reserve tanks.
4. After all wing tanks are full, load the center tank.

Preflight Preparation:

Fuel System                                                TEST & SET
- Fuel Quantity Gauges                      TEST
- Boost Pumps                                       TEST
- Tank No. 2 Aft Boost Pump Switch      ON
- All Crossfeed Selectors                       OPEN
- Reserve Tank Fuel Transfer Selectors      CLOSE
- Fuel Temperature Selector                       CHECK & NO. 1 TANK
- Fuel Heat Switches                                        OFF


Before Engine Start:

Fuel System                                        SET FOR START
* “Tank to Engine” Configuration:
- One Boost Pump Switch in tanks No. 1, 2, 3  & 4      ON
- Center Tank Boost Pumps                                       OFF
- Crossfeed Selector No. 1                                       OPEN
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2, 3 & 4                       CLOSE

Taxi-out:

Fuel System                                                            SET FOR TAKEOFF
* If Center Tank empty or less than 20,000 lbs :
->(“Tank to Engine” Configuration):
- One Boost Pump Switch in tanks No. 1, 2, 3  & 4      ON
- Center Tank Boost Pumps                                       OFF
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1                                       OPEN
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2, 3 & 4                       CLOSE
* If Center Tank exceeds 20,000 lbs
-> “Center Tank to Outboard, Main Tanks to Inboard Engines” Configuration:
- One Boost Pump Switch in tanks 1, 2, 3, 4 & Center      ON
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2 & 3                                       CLOSE
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1 & 4                                       OPEN

Cruise:
Check every 20 minutes the following set of conditions and act appropriately:

* If Center Tank exceeds 20,000 lbs and less than 12,000 lbs of total fuel consumed
->”Ctr Tank to Outbd. Eng., Main Tanks to Inbd. Eng.” Configuration:
     - Boost Pump Switches for tanks 1, 2, 3, 4 & Center    ON
     - Crossfeed Selectors No. 2 & 3                                   CLOSE
     - Crossfeed Selectors No. 1 & 4                                   OPEN
* If Center Tank less than 20,000 lbs Or 12,000 lbs of fuel consumed
-> “Ctr. Tank to All Engines” Configuration:
     - Crossfeed Selectors No. 1, 2, 3 & 4                    OPEN
     - Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 1, 2, 3, 4 & Center      ON
* If Center Tank empty
->(1) ”Balance Main Tanks” Configuration (Inboard Tanks to all Engines)
     - Crossfeed Selectors No. 1, 2, 3 & 4                    OPEN
     - Reserve Tank Transfer Valves No. 1 & 2       AS REQUIRED
     - Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 1, 4 and Center    OFF
     - Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 2 & 3                    ON
     - 2nd Boost Pump Switch for Tank No. 2 or 3, whichever has less fuel      OFF for balancing
->(2) When Inboard Tanks Fuel = Outboard Tanks Fuel + Reserve Fuel: “Tank to Engine” Configuration:
     - Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 1, 2, 3 & 4           ON
     - Center Tank Boost Pumps                                    OFF
     - Crossfeed Selectors No. 1                                    OPEN
     - Crossfeed Selectors No. 2, 3 & 4                   CLOSE


Cruise Descent:

All Main Tank Fuel Boost Pump Switches                                    ON


May you never suffer from fuel starvation. :)

Best regards

AlOl