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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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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!
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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.
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