lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just a note to second the comments on the likelihood of problems with the flapper door. I closed both wings and had them stored for several years waiting the day when they would be mated to the fuselage. I hadn't thought too much of the wings as the control surfaces, bellcranks and wiring all seemed in perfect working order. On a fluke of interest just prior to installing the wings I happened to take a light with a small head and flexible shaft and placed into the wing fuel sensing hole (old version sensor installed from the inboard end), and viewed through the fuel return opening. What I found scared me. Both wings had bonding material dripped in front of the slosh doors. I devised a 1/4" alum. tube with heavy wire through it and a hook at the end to see if the doors worked. They didn't. I could get some movement on each but not enough to feed the engine. A dremel tool with a flexible shaft and some stiffener (alum. tubing) for about 18" allowed me to remove the material very slowly without damaging the fuel sealer and wing. A test with the "door checking tool" and all was well. I shudder to think of the outcome if this check had not been done. It is likely that there would have been adequate fuel for a short hop but what about a long duration flight and high fuel demands? Next tip: Micro Vision requires their sensor to be calibrated by reading the resistance numbers as you fill the tank, two gallons at a time. This is a good means of "knowing" the total fuel your tanks hold. Mine both hold 39.3 gallons and when drained, there is at least 1/2 gallon unusable in each. Even if you sensors do not require the 2-gallon shuffle, it might be a good exercise to give you a sense for what the tanks really hold. Of course extreme care should be exercised with fuel. My advice is find a way to check the fuel slosh door prior to mating the wings. The peace of mind will be worth the effort. Pat Brunner N98PB 200 Hours and going strong! LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.