gascolator problem

[Buell Powell]

Re: gascolator problem

Bill,
Good point! I noticed that Wag Aero still shows cork and neoprene gaskets but now has a note to use neoprene only for auto gas. By the way-Snyder's(888-262-5713)has an ethonal resistant gas cap/gauge float to replace the original cork-may be something to consider replacing for those that use auto gas?

[astjp2]

Re: gascolator problem

The spruce ACS gascolator for $90.00 works just fine and mounts in the original location. If you are going to annual an airplane, just do a spruce/wag/any other parts store order and get all of the consumeables that you need....like gascolator gaskets, wheel seals, copper crush washers for the oil screen/kidney tank....all of those funny lubricants that aeroplanes tend to use....that way you get the right stuff instead of trying to substitute something because you are in a hurry to get it finished or go fly. I alway buy 2-3 of the gaskets and seals so when someone is short I can hand them one....Tim

P.S. The Univair J3 cub fuel cap with the synthetic cork works with both Mogas and 100LL...

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

Bill, thanks for the suggestion on silicone rubber. Some reason, never crossed my mind.

Appreciate all the other good information and comments from all of you.
Darryl

[NY86]

Re: gascolator problem

The best choice for gascolator gaskets today is viton, although I expect a silicon based compound would probably work as well. Neoprene is no longer suitable for either Avgas or Mogas.

The OD of the gasket seals and the ID holds the screen in place. If the screen reaches to the OD it'll contribute to a leak.

Usually when they leak like you describe it is because the top has been distorted, generally by over zealous tightning...

[Buell Powell]

Re: gascolator problem

I checked some sources for gascolator gaskets and found that Aircraft Spruce has Viton. According to the person I talked to @Univair they sell neoprene imbedded(which is what NAPA sells in gasket material for autos) for both Av and Mogas. Wag Aero still only sells sold cork for av gas and neoprene for either. Texas rubber has all kinds of rubber in sheets including silicone. Personally I prefer the old original gascolators with the glass cylinders because they just never seem to have problems unless they sit dry for an extended period and the gaskets and drain seal dry out and then they are very easy to clean up and put back in service.And it's nice to be able to look inside each time I drain to check for water.I did buy a Steve's for the F19 that was missing when we picked it up from the Factory because(according to the Factory) it is original equipment, and it does look to be very well made. Just wondering if anyone knows if they are using any additives now to make the neoprene not suitable for av gas and a source for viton material?

[NY86]

Re: gascolator problem

Or, you could go to any reasonably well stocked maintenance shop and buy a 2 1/8" gascolator gasket for about $4.00, or I'll send you one for $3.79 plus shipping...

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

John,
So the gasket must have width, as opposed to an O ring. Now I see the plan. Good discription. Just have to use a gasket with a nominal width and trim the screen to be a little smaller in diameter than the I/D of the can. Then should perform just as you discribe. I believe I have seen a "ledge" in the top cover that will fit well with those dimensions. That is the complete answer I was looking for. Thank you.
Sounds like I have a few options on material and gasket suppliers.
Thanks everyone.
Darryl

[Robert Lees]

Re: gascolator problem

If memory serves correctly, the rubber seal at the top of the gascolator is stepped to take the brass mesh screen, and therefore only fits correctly one way. It might be worth checking.

Rob

[NY86]

Re: gascolator problem

I think the screen forms the step over time. New gaskets are flat.

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

It is probably 120F in the hangar just now, so I am not checking, but as I remember the top area in mine has an inner relief/step where I am thinking the screen would fit nicely, and then the outer "ledge" where the flat gasket would rest. That seems to make some sense to make it function correctly, but maybe not if the relief is too deep. Have to do some additional inspection now that I understand the general concept.
DC

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

Gascolator seal/screen problem all solved. Nice impregnated gasket material supplied by good neighbor next door at airport. Everything working fine for really nice morning flight, chasing gophers next to the reservoir in the edge of the coastal hills.
Thanks again everyone for all the help.
Darryl

[VictorBravo]

Re: gascolator problem

Hey Darryl, why dont'cha fly yourself over to Tehachapi glider port this coming weekend. They're having the E-Soaring Labor Day gathering, just about anyone and everyone involved in the cutting edge of low power flight, ultralight and homebuilt sailplanes, electric aircraft flight, etc. will be there. This event is small, but all the top brains in efficient flight will be there. I'm planning to fly the T-craft up there if I can. I'll buy you a beer and introduce you to my old "homeboys" in the glider world.

Bill

[flyguy]

Re: gascolator problem

Bill, that really sounds like a fun weekend. I have a few things going here that might hold me back, not the least of which is my mags are operating in kind of a test mode just now. Tends to keep me near home and over flat ground, if you know what I mean. Sure would like to make it though.
Darryl