The pilot's preflight consisted of checking the fuel tanks with a stick, and finding about 2 inches of fuel in the right main fuel tank. The airplane had just come out of maintenance because of inoperative fuel gauges. The pilot was returning to his home airport, landed and intended to takeoff again. Because of winds he had to taxi to a different runway. Just after takeoff and at a low altitude the pilot realized the rear engine had failed. The airplane started to stall, however the pilot said there was not enough runway remaining to abort the take off. He elected to make a forced landing and came to rest in a pond. The fuel selector for the rear engine was found on the right main tank. A Cessna service letter and AD had been issued for this type airplane calling for an operational procedure; to lead with the rear engine while taxiing, and during take off, in order to more clearly recognize a rear engine failure. The pilot's statement did not indicate that he had complied with either the service letter or the AD.