RAM air door missing seal

[00-Negative]

Started flying my M20E in September and have put around 40hrs on it since purchase. I noticed the RAM air door had a small gap around the top and sides. Looks the the seal is either completely deteriorated or was removed and looking back at pictures I took when I bought the plane, it was like this when I purchased it. LASAR does not have the seal in stock. I'll prob replace with baffle seal material next week. 

Here's my question:  I need to fly my wife/girls this weekend to a cheer competition. I sold them on the plane by convincing them that we would use it to fly to these competitions and we already had to drive the first one d/t weather. They're eventually going to figure out that I spent all of our money on a plane for me.  Can I cover the RAM air door opening with 3M aluminum foil tape temporarily until I replace the seal?

 

Thanks,   

David

 

[Shadrach]

You can make a seal out of rubber gasket material (1/8” IIRC). You can buy sheets of it at your local auto parts store. I would not bother taping it up unless you live in a dusty environment. You’ve been flying it as is since you bought the plane, another flight isn’t going to make a difference. Depending on environment, you might see elevated silicon in the oil from running without a gasket. It’s an easy fix. I would take care of it ASAP...
 

[00-Negative]

Yes sir. Thanks for the response. I might be able to get it done tomorrow. 

[201Steve]

1 hour ago, 00-Negative said:

. They're eventually going to figure out that I spent all of our money on a plane for me. 

Hahahahahah

[Ron McBride]

Before flying, find the old seal and remove it.  The old seal can block air going into the fuel injection system.   No air, no power…

[RobertGary1]

If be careful putting anything on it. Anything making it past (including ice, tape, etc) can go straight to the impact tubes and stop fuel flow. 

[Fly Boomer]

On 1/11/2024 at 8:32 AM, 00-Negative said:

Here's my question:  I need to fly my wife/girls this weekend to a cheer competition.

I wouldn't change anything just before the flight you describe.  If there is an incident, you won't have to worry about them "finding out eventually".