Fixing loose aileron brackets

[Scott]

Worth noting that an epoxy or other coating could actually end up retaining fluid as opposed to keeping the cork dry.
you can buy cork sections from any fishing rod supply retailer and they're not expensive, certainly not as expensive as west system epoxy.

Even in the worst conditions the uncoated cork will last probably longer than you will!!!

[Guest]

My corks were dipped in shellac and I never had any problems.

Owned a T-craft for more than 35 years that way.

[astjp2]

Worth noting that an epoxy or other coating could actually end up retaining fluid as opposed to keeping the cork dry.
you can buy cork sections from any fishing rod supply retailer and they're not expensive, certainly not as expensive as west system epoxy.

Even in the worst conditions the uncoated cork will last probably longer than you will!!!

I had 2 from wagaero sink, so no, the corks suck compare to the univair one...

[Hank Jarrett]

I took a different tack many years ago. I DO NOT leave my cork and fuel cap in the tank when not flying. I have a second cap (painted bright red) and take the cap with the cork float out when I land and put it on top of the cowl in the hangar. If I am stopped somewhere I put the red cap on and put the regular one inside (fuel smell hasn't been a problem, but I don't tie out very often either). My cap and cork are decades old and in new condition.
Just a different solution to the problem. And I don't have to worry about water getting into the tank by running down the wire......as if I would EVER leave my baby out in the rain!

Hank

[wmfife]

Apologies for hijacking this thread which was about aileron brackets. And kudos for Rob Lees for displaying a state-of-the-art solution to the problem of spar crushing.
Just looked and saw the J-3 tank floats at Univair were actually in fact cork. Someone I thought had said on an earlier thread they were synthetic.
I still have the one that came with the aircraft and so far no issues, except it seems someone had coated one side of the float with some kind of finish and left the other side bare. These are the little things that make me wonder.
But wholeheartedly agree with Hank to not leave the float in the tank with fuel. Cork, a type of porous soft wood, wasn't meant to be marinated 24/7 in avgas so just a word to the wise.
Mine is sitting here next to me as you read this.
So with that - over to you, Rob.

[Hank Jarrett]

Don't forget to put a bright red painted closed cap over the tank opening. ;-) If my plane was partly red already I would also put a big "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" ribbon on the ground cap.

Hank

[astjp2]

Apologies for hijacking this thread which was about aileron brackets. And kudos for Rob Lees for displaying a state-of-the-art solution to the problem of spar crushing.
Just looked and saw the J-3 tank floats at Univair were actually in fact cork. Someone I thought had said on an earlier thread they were synthetic.
I still have the one that came with the aircraft and so far no issues, except it seems someone had coated one side of the float with some kind of finish and left the other side bare. These are the little things that make me wonder.
But wholeheartedly agree with Hank to not leave the float in the tank with fuel. Cork, a type of porous soft wood, wasn't meant to be marinated 24/7 in avgas so just a word to the wise.
Mine is sitting here next to me as you read this.
So with that - over to you, Rob.

The last 2 I bought from Univair were synthetic. but that was 6 years ago for the last one.

[Thrashnic]

Very expensive and still upset about it , however I bought a new fuel cap with float and it works great. But the price is highway robbery. here is the part number from Univair
U71041-000 UNIVAIR FUEL GAUGE ASSEMBLY - FITS PIPER

https://www.univair.com/piper/piper-j-3/view-all/u71041-000-piper-fuel-gauge-assembly/

[astjp2]

Very expensive and still upset about it , however I bought a new fuel cap with float and it works great. But the price is highway robbery. here is the part number from Univair
U71041-000 UNIVAIR FUEL GAUGE ASSEMBLY - FITS PIPER
https://www.univair.com/piper/piper-...auge-assembly/

IMHO worth every penny if it does not fail... and everything at univair is expensive but they are the only "quality" PMA support we have.