Message-ID: <F7E4A18E9519D5119ECC0002A5285F777BCF@OCSC-EXCH>
From: "Brunner, Pat" <Pat.Brunner@ocgov.com>
To: "'lancair.list@olsusa.com'" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Cc: "Susan Brunner (E-mail)" <Brunnerpc@aol.com>
Subject: Flapper Door on Pickup Fuel Bay
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 05:11:16 -0700
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
	charset="iso-8859-1"
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  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.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>