gascolator problem

[flyguy]

Way back when I found that my gascolator was hooked up backwards I also found that it needed a new screen.
Found nice fine brass screen material and cut to fit precisely. Added one correct size O ring. Worked perfect.
Removed several times for inspection and then suddenly leaks like crazy regardless of how tight. Leave out screen and it will seal ok. O ring looks and feels like new (I have a backup new one also.) It appears that I may have been lucky and the O ring was just the correct size to expand outward and form a complete seal.

Question: what is the real gascolator/screen standard? I could really go for a screen with an inpregnated seal on the outside edge, even if it was thin and required an additional "gasket/seal."

Aside from paying Aircraft Spruce a bunch of bucks for a new unit, where can I get screens, seals, gaskets, to take care of this problem. The unit I have is a fair-to-meddlin' installation so I would like to keep it. This particular gascolator is all metal with a 2 inch I/D.
Darryl

[mike lutz]

Re: gascolator problem

TSC stores(tractor supply) normally carry several different gaskets and screen kits for gascolators.You might try there.
Mike Lutz

[mike lutz]

Re: gascolator problem

Also,I might add that I have in the past bought neopreme gaskets at NAPA
Mike Lutz

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

Thanks Mike.
DC

[Buell Powell]

Re: gascolator problem

Hi Darryl,
Either neopreme or ruberized cork that you can buy from NAPA should work fine for gaskets for gascolators,caps, etc. A pretty easy way to make a gasket cutter if you dont have one is just use a drafting compass-file one the points into a knife blade @ sharpen. Pretty nice to have one around because you can adjust to whatever size you need. Without seeing what you have I wonder if the housing could have warped-if it has it should be easy to true back up.
Hope this helps.
Buell

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

Buell,
I have noticed that the cup will "rock" a small amount when put into position, although a quick check on a flat surface looked ok. May be in the upper assembly. I will have to check everything more thoroughly.
Good idea on the compass; I use one for marking, but never tried as a cutter.
Thanks

Just a note on the Tractor Supply. This little farm town, at the marginal edge for commute from "Silicon Valley," has become a tract house commuter city of 30,000+ in the last few years. Big stores going in like crazy. New Lowes, Target, and Home Depot.
Then I see a sign that says "Coming soon to this site, Tractor Supply."
Guess we have really arrived big time now.
DC

[d.grimm]

Re: gascolator problem

I got a Steve's Aircraft gascolator, and never have to worry about it again. $200 is real cheap compared to it coming apart in flight.
Dave

[tcraft]

Re: gascolator problem

I send Tractor Supply an email every 3 months begging them to open a store in Tucson....

I have to export from Texas to the ranch.

[Guest]

Re: gascolator problem

Hi Darryl,
Either neopreme or ruberized cork that you can buy from NAPA should work fine for gaskets for gascolators,caps, etc. A pretty easy way to make a gasket cutter if you dont have one is just use a drafting compass-file one the points into a knife blade @ sharpen. Pretty nice to have one around because you can adjust to whatever size you need. Without seeing what you have I wonder if the housing could have warped-if it has it should be easy to true back up.
Hope this helps.
Buell

I basically do that too, I make my own 2" or 2-1/4" dia. can't recall. Will be happy to send you a few. I think I have spares about 1 month old Will look for them this afternoon.

I found it easier to cut them by taking 2 short pieces of exhaust pipe and grind one edge on each to a knife edge then whacking a the cork gasket agaist the knife edge with a rubber mallet. Cuts a nice circle. Works good.

Dave

[Guest]

Re: gascolator problem

Just checked they are 2-1/8"

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

Thanks for the offer Dave. I think first I'll look for some rubberized cork tomorrow. Have some simple cork gasket material, but doesn't look very sturdy to me. Also try the unused O ring and check the surface on the top part and check the cup again. Thanks for the idea on the cutter.

Seems to me that the gasket either has to "squish" into the edge of the screen or mash against the outside ring of the top in order to make a seal. I'm not really sure which way it is supposed to work. Seems that the screen above the O ring or gasket, ie the basic design, is at least part of the problem.
DC

[N95334]

Re: gascolator problem

Guys could it be the 10% Ethanol gas eating away at rubber seals

[dmcneil]

Re: gascolator problem

Hey All,

Univair stocks the correct gascolator gaskets as well as screens.

2" gascolator gasket (for LaTour gascolators) LAT-08; $3.74 ea.

2 1/8" gasket (for the larger LaTour or Piper gascolators) U85012-032 ; $2.36 ea.

Dan

[dmcneil]

Re: gascolator problem

PS Forgot to mention that I've also gotten gascolator stuff from Sacramento SkyRanch.

https://www.sacskyranch.com

Look in the "Gascolator" section.

Dan

[VictorBravo]

Re: gascolator problem

Y'all might want to substitute soft Silicone rubber for Neoprene or cork or whatever. If memory serves, the silicone rubber will not be affected by anything in automobile or airplane fuel, even alcohol. Even if you are not planning to run car gas, having a more solvent resistant gasket is a step upwards in reliability, and might remove one more failure mode from the equation.