Crispy Critter Update.

[crispy critter]

Been a little slow lately. Wife has been under the weather...and under the knife again. I haven't been sleeping at all in the past couple weeks so I've been using a lot of those sleepless hours to work on Crispy. Not a lot of visible progress but have moved forward. The baffles are finally in place,the cowl is rough fit but needs a little tweeking,all the controls are hooked up and rigged really close,I filled both wing tanks last night with no leaks but then I drained them both into the main and the fuel shut off valve is leaking every so slightly. I bet I tested that sucker 3 times before I installed the tank. Anyway,if I can't sleep tonight the fuel valve will be removed and I guess I will have to find someplace to buy a shaft seal(or "packing" as it's mostly referred to)....anyone have such a thing or any idea's because I have no clue on this one.
I'll try to post more pics this weekend.I have took them just haven't had them developed or put on CD yet.

[mhorowit]

Re: Crispy Critter Update.

kevin - think about the silicon 'thread' used by plumbers to pack the stem of a water faucet. I recall it worked for me.

Hope the wife is feeling better; when mama isn't feeling good, noone feels good - Mike

[Larry Lyons]

Re: Crispy Critter Update.

Something that will work, I know, I have used it. Is Teflon, the type we see for plumbing will work but it is very thin. Years ago I could buy it in a round cross section about 1/8th inch. You wind it around the shaft, tighten down the packing nut and it will flow to the required shape. It would with stand 2000 psi routinely. I have not seen it lately but an INTERNET search might find it. Or how about Teflon tube? I just found a teflon tube 1/4" i.d. with three sizes of o.d. available. I talked to a factory rep. about 4 or 5 years ago and he said the rope still was available. He gave me a piece of Teflon rope 1" in dia. at that time.
Larry

[crispy critter]

Re: Crispy Critter Update.

Thanks guys,all good info but I got it fixed. I had another old valve from a wreck but the valve body was cracked. Lucky enough the cap,shaft,and guts were all perfect. Another sleepless night get's me one more step closer. I also powder coated fuel caps,trim indicator backing plate,and put mu fuel valve lock in place last night.......getting closer.

[cpirrmann]

Re: Crispy Critter Update.

Accepted procedures say not to use teflon on fuel fittings as av gas breaks it down and bits can get into the fuel system. You know what that can cause.