carusoam Posted April 9, 2023 Report Posted April 9, 2023 Mags are known to fall off when star washers get re-used… continuing to spread the old word… -a- Quote
PT20J Posted April 10, 2023 Report Posted April 10, 2023 On 4/8/2023 at 2:02 PM, kortopates said: Very true, and this is was a change in Mooney POH's over the years that began with draining the gascolator first thing with the other cockpit checks but changes over the years to drain the gascolator last - for good reason. My POH says to check the gascolator drain for leaking during the walk around and then drain it later after entering the cockpit. I've never been comfortable with that because it seems more likely to leak if something gets caught in the drain during draining. So, if the airplane has been outside in the rain, I drain the sumps first and then drain the gascolator and then get out to make sure it's not leaking. If it's been in the hangar, I drain the gascolator first and then the sumps. I've never seen any appreciable water in the tanks from condensation and you have to get a LOT of water in the tanks to reach the level of the pickups where one might draw water from the tanks into the lines by draining the gascolator first. I generally start up on the lowest tank and switch to the fullest tank during taxi to ensure that both tanks will feed the engine. And, at annual I put a hose on the fuel tank vents and blow air from my lungs (to avoid over pressurizing) while spraying soapy water on the caps to make sure that the o-rings are good (especially the center shaft o-ring where water can collect). I also lube the big o-rings with petroleum jelly and the shaft with Tri-Flow every oil change. But, that's just me. Skip 2 Quote
ArtVandelay Posted April 10, 2023 Report Posted April 10, 2023 you have to get a LOT of water in the tanks to reach the level of the pickups where one might draw water from the tanks into the lines by draining the gascolator first. Correct, you probably need to get about 1.5 gallons of water (amount of unusable fuel) which is why you’ll never find water in it unless your fuel cap was leaking badly or left off.I religiously drain the fuel tanks, even if hangared if not for water but other heavy debris in the pumped fuel, the gascolater only after finding water and refueling. 2 Quote
PT20J Posted April 10, 2023 Report Posted April 10, 2023 Sumping is also a good way to note the beginning of sealant deterioration. 1 Quote
carusoam Posted April 11, 2023 Report Posted April 11, 2023 When you get a leaky fuel cap… you get surprised about how much water gets sent through the leak… might be a quart… Test cup after test cup… and they look kinda good… water doesn’t appear in the bottom of them… The old cup smells like fuel… and is yellow, so the water doesn’t look extra clear… It turns out they are full up with water… Ever spit in the fuel cup… spit tries to sink… unless it is water in the cup! Reminder to always hold the fuel up to a white background… Take it extra serious each time… Water tries to fool us… and sometimes wins… PP thoughts only not a fear monger… Best regards, -a- 1 Quote
Pinecone Posted April 11, 2023 Report Posted April 11, 2023 If you are parked outside, these might be a good idea. https://wingviewtint.com/products/fuel-cap-covers Quote
carusoam Posted April 12, 2023 Report Posted April 12, 2023 17 hours ago, Pinecone said: If you are parked outside, these might be a good idea. https://wingviewtint.com/products/fuel-cap-covers Especially during the winter months…. Good seals keep a puddle of water around the cap’s flap (handle) Water can freeze keeping the handle from operating… If it rains, and no water is puddled up around the handle… Be sure to sump, because that water went somewhere… Probably time to get a new small oring for the cap… Best regards, -a- Quote
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