TKS Leak

[Top Heavy]

I have had a persistent leak of TKS fluid for several months from my '92 Mooney Brave. After removing the panels from the underbelly as well as the interior flooring, it would appear to be coming from the immediate vicinity of the reservoir. The problem is that the mechanic says this area is unaceesible absent removing what appears to be a "riveted" section of sheet metal overlying the tank itself . This sheet metal does have several "access" ports but you can only visualize the top of the tank through them and certainly cannot remove or work on the tank or the associated connections. Does anyone have any better ideas or experience as to how to access this area without further dissembling the plane?

   Thanks,

     Topheavy

    

[LANCECASPER]

Take it to someone more familiar with the system. 

[M016576]

2 hours ago, Top Heavy said:

I have had a persistent leak of TKS fluid for several months from my '92 Mooney Brave. After removing the panels from the underbelly as well as the interior flooring, it would appear to be coming from the immediate vicinity of the reservoir. The problem is that the mechanic says this area is unaceesible absent removing what appears to be a "riveted" section of sheet metal overlying the tank itself . This sheet metal does have several "access" ports but you can only visualize the top of the tank through them and certainly cannot remove or work on the tank or the associated connections. Does anyone have any better ideas or experience as to how to access this area without further dissembling the plane?

   Thanks,

     Topheavy

    

How did you identify the leak?  Was it only leaking after the system was in operation, or was it leaking all the time?  

I've found that fluid runs down into the belly panels after flight with the system on and pools under the low point of the plane.  I thought I had a leaky fitting somewhere until I pulled all the panels and looked at all the fitting with the system running- no leaks to be seen...

[Top Heavy]

No, it started leaking all the time after it was cycled during the annual several months ago. Prior to that I had never had the occasion to use it in the 4 years I have had the plane. It is a slow drip from a drain hole in the panel directly in the midline slightly foreword of the flaps. 

[carusoam]

Any chance you can get a mirror or one of those dental cameras down to where the issue is?

There has been some discussion on good cameras available on amazon lately...

Best regard,

-a-

[M016576]

4 hours ago, Top Heavy said:

No, it started leaking all the time after it was cycled during the annual several months ago. Prior to that I had never had the occasion to use it in the 4 years I have had the plane. It is a slow drip from a drain hole in the panel directly in the midline slightly foreword of the flaps. 

Had the TKS been cycled every 2 weeks-month for 5-10 minutes?  If not, there are rubber seals in each fitting- I bet your culpret is one of those breaking down.  

There are two really small access panels between the third belly panel and the aft belly panel (where the filter and switches are).  You may be able to see the leak through one of those, using a dental camera like -a- describes.  You can buy the seals by calling Tom, at CAV aero.  The seals are NOT traditional o-rings.  They are compression seals- if you disassemble a coupling, you CANNOT reuse the seal, you'll need a new one.  Good news, though, they are very inexpensive (like .50 cents each... a price unheard of in aviation!)

 

edit: if the fluid in the tank was 4 years old, it was probably no longer effective... from what I understand, TKS fluid does break down over time.  Does anyone know for sure if this is true, or is it just a rumor I've heard?

Edited December 19, 2016 by M016576

[Top Heavy]

No, it started leaking all the time after it was cycled during the annual several months ago. Prior to that I had never had the occasion to use it in the 4 years I have had the plane. It is a slow drip from a drain hole in the panel directly in the midline slightly foreword of the flaps. 

[Top Heavy]

Thanks, I will get a mirror and take a look at that area. That is just the type of information I need. Will get back to you tomorrow.

[M016576]

54 minutes ago, Top Heavy said:

Thanks, I will get a mirror and take a look at that area. That is just the type of information I need. Will get back to you tomorrow.

Hope that helps!  Tom can certainly guide you further if you need it.  He builds and installs the systems and knows the mooney system inside and out.  An email or call to CAV will end up at his desk.

[thinwing]

You need to make sure you use your TKS monthly..i.e. Turn in on till max light goes out...what is bad is allowing the membranes behind the titanium panels to dry out...4 years is way too long...it's doubtful your system is fully operational right now...CAV can advise..