Parts substitution

[Gerald McKibben]

I hope I haven't overlooked an old thread - I searched. I have benefited greatly from advice from this forum since I bought my BC12D, including finding parts to substitute for Taylorcraft parts that are no longer available. I have read AC 23-27 (issued by the FAA on May 18, 2009) and it sounds pretty straightforward.

It seems that we have tremendous freedom now to substitute parts of a non-structural nature when the original part is no longer available. What parts are we supposed to record in the log books? For example, I just installed a toilet bowl gasket around the fuel filler neck, and I realized that was what was on there - the old one was cracked and degraded. Is it advisable to advertise this kind of substitution?

I do some writing for the local EAA Chapter so I feel some responsibility to not recommend something that may not be legal. Can somebody enlighten me on this?

[Scott]

Re: Parts substitution

Much depends on the category/certification status of the aircraft. I'm not completely familiar with current FAA requirements but I believe that regardless of the source of parts they should meet aircraft materials and manufacturing standards based on "acceptable data".

The reason your gasket failed and why the new one will too is because it's made of a material that was never intended to be exposed to UV, gasoline, exposure to the elements etc.

There are threads that deal with the tank neck rubber and there are a couple of different options available that are purpose-built for fuel tanks of old cars. I dare say if you really wanted to you could obtain material/compatibility data for these parts from the automotive suppliers but most people seem to be satisfied with the knowledge they are purpose built parts.

[Guest]

Re: Parts substitution

I hope I haven't overlooked an old thread - I searched. I have benefited greatly from advice from this forum since I bought my BC12D, including finding parts to substitute for Taylorcraft parts that are no longer available. I have read AC 23-27 (issued by the FAA on May 18, 2009) and it sounds pretty straightforward.

It seems that we have tremendous freedom now to substitute parts of a non-structural nature when the original part is no longer available. What parts are we supposed to record in the log books? For example, I just installed a toilet bowl gasket around the fuel filler neck, and I realized that was what was on there - the old one was cracked and degraded. Is it advisable to advertise this kind of substitution?

I do some writing for the local EAA Chapter so I feel some responsibility to not recommend something that may not be legal. Can somebody enlighten me on this?

Check with your A&P mechanic, what does he advise to do?

Dave

[M Towsley]

Re: Parts substitution

Not exactly what you are asking for, but here is a gasket in the Aeronca-style, but fits the Taylorcraft quite well. I have had mine on for several years. It actually is made of rubber and seals the cockpit from overfills, etc. See below thread.

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?6146-Main-fuel-tank-filler-neck-grommet&highlight=ercoupe+tank+neck+rubber

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Parts substitution

When we used one of the toilet seals on my plane we didn't know about the good ones. That said, the toilet gasket has worked very well. I intended it to keep fuel from flowing around the tank and soaking the cockpit on an over-fill and it does that well. I have also been very careful NOT to expose it to fuel spills and my plane is hangered with little sun exposure. The gasket is also looked at on every pre-flight when checking the fuel.
When it shows teh first signs of deterioration it will be replaced (with an aircraft seal) but honestly my mechanic and I are watching it out of curiosity to see if it really will be damaged. So far after several years it hasn't even discolored and looks brand new.

Hank

This is NOT to recommend using one, but if you don't have access to the aircraft part, one of these is available at any hardware store and certainly will get you back home.

[lfries]

Re: Parts substitution

Try the thread "Fuel Tank Donut" Severak suggestions there. I use the John Deere Gasket

[M Towsley]

Re: Parts substitution

The best part about the Aeronca-style that was being sold is that is fits very snugly on the filler neck. These grommets are molded vulcanized black rubber with a groove around the base to fit the boot cowling.

Also see this link for more info and pictures. As of a year ago they were still available. http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread...nk+neck+rubber

[astjp2]

Re: Parts substitution

Metro molded products, GF22, suitable with autogas....Tim

https://www.metrommp.com/index.cfm?f=type_detail&ModelNumber=GF%2022&Type=Grommets%20%2D%20Gas%20Filler

[Guest]

Re: Parts substitution

I hope I haven't overlooked an old thread - I searched. I have benefited greatly from advice from this forum since I bought my BC12D, including finding parts to substitute for Taylorcraft parts that are no longer available. I have read AC 23-27 (issued by the FAA on May 18, 2009) and it sounds pretty straightforward.

It seems that we have tremendous freedom now to substitute parts of a non-structural nature when the original part is no longer available. What parts are we supposed to record in the log books? For example, I just installed a toilet bowl gasket around the fuel filler neck, and I realized that was what was on there - the old one was cracked and degraded. Is it advisable to advertise this kind of substitution?

I do some writing for the local EAA Chapter so I feel some responsibility to not recommend something that may not be legal. Can somebody enlighten me on this?

Hi Gerald,

I am assuming that you are not an A&P and are asking about preventative maintenance item.

Presuming that replacing a fuel neck grommet falls under preventative maintenance in accordance with FAR 43 appendix A (c) (12) Making small simple repairs to fairings, nonstructural cover plates, cowlings, and small patches and reinforcements not changing the contour so as to interfere with proper air flow, which I think makes sense then look to FAR 43.3, 43.5, 43.7, 43.9 for guidance on log entries and who can make them. Basically a private pilot.

Hope that helps, Dave.

[Gerald McKibben]

Re: Parts substitution

Hi Gerald,

I am assuming that you are not an A&P and are asking about preventative maintenance item.

Presuming that replacing a fuel neck grommet falls under preventative maintenance in accordance with FAR 43 appendix A (c) (12) Making small simple repairs to fairings, nonstructural cover plates, cowlings, and small patches and reinforcements not changing the contour so as to interfere with proper air flow, which I think makes sense then look to FAR 43.3, 43.5, 43.7, 43.9 for guidance on log entries and who can make them. Basically a private pilot.

Hope that helps, Dave.

It did help! Thanks.

[Gerald McKibben]

Re: Parts substitution

I like the looks of that one. Thanks.

Metro molded products, GF22, suitable with autogas....Tim
https://www.metrommp.com/index.cfm?f...20Gas%20Filler

[Gerald McKibben]

Re: Parts substitution

I like that one. Think I'll order one. Thanks.

Not exactly what you are asking for, but here is a gasket in the Aeronca-style, but fits the Taylorcraft quite well. I have had mine on for several years. It actually is made of rubber and seals the cockpit from overfills, etc. See below thread.

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread...nk+neck+rubber

[Gerald McKibben]

Re: Parts substitution

I'm putting my new toilet seal on to replace the one that is about gone. Then I'll probably order one of the better ones. Thanks.

When we used one of the toilet seals on my plane we didn't know about the good ones. That said, the toilet gasket has worked very well. I intended it to keep fuel from flowing around the tank and soaking the cockpit on an over-fill and it does that well. I have also been very careful NOT to expose it to fuel spills and my plane is hangered with little sun exposure. The gasket is also looked at on every pre-flight when checking the fuel.
When it shows teh first signs of deterioration it will be replaced (with an aircraft seal) but honestly my mechanic and I are watching it out of curiosity to see if it really will be damaged. So far after several years it hasn't even discolored and looks brand new.

Hank

This is NOT to recommend using one, but if you don't have access to the aircraft part, one of these is available at any hardware store and certainly will get you back home.