New Leak

[jmvolpp]

N44305 is leaking oil at the engine end of the oil pressure line, around the line through the nut. Wasn't loose and cleaning/retightening didn't work. Looks like it's been on there since day one, so will plan to replace line, fitting and short rubber hose connector - no problem with the rest of the line to the gauge. Am I correct in assuming there's nothing special about the copper line - standard flare, etc?

Mike V.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: New Leak

You are correct there is nothing special, however, don't use copper. It work hardens and cracks. Use aluminum.

I like to use a 45 degree fitting at the engine because it makes things easier to hook up, but that is a personal choice and not essential.

[mike lutz]

Re: New Leak

If you put a new fitting in the assesory case,be sure to solder or brase the hole shut in the fitting ,then drill out with a one sixteenth bit.In the event of a future line failure this will not let your engine pump the oil out so fast,and give you more time to get put down.Had this happen to me around 30 or so years ago and it saved me from frying my engine.

[jmvolpp]

Re: New Leak

Thanks for the tips, guys. The leak was found to be a tiny crack at the flair and was able to reflare slightly above. However, not being particularly enamored with the rubber hose connector, at first opportunity will replace the whole affair with flex hose.

Mike V.

[jdoran]

Re: New Leak

Mike,

Great thought!!

It makes perfect sense.

[jmvolpp]

Re: New Leak

As the first repair leaked again (at the rubber hose connection), I replaced the whole line with flex hose. For the record, I used a straight fitting in the engine case to assure tight fit and 48" flex hose with straight fitting at each end, which required a 90 degree fitting on the pressure gauge due to clearance between gauge and fuel tank -which, of course, I hadn't taken into account before the hose was made. The next time, I will have the flex hose made with a 45 at the engine end and 90 at the gauge end, for a neater installation.

Mike V.

[VictorBravo]

Re: New Leak

Fill up the new hose with oil during assembly, letting any air bubbles out. This will allow the gauge to register oil pressure immediately on startup.

[N95334]

Re: New Leak

What about the AD Amendment 39-5521; AD 87-03-08


Compliance: Required within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent loss of engine oil and possible failure of the engine, accomplish the following:

(a) Visually inspect the oil pressure gauge hose assembly at the engine to determine whether the type of hose assembly installed is P/N B7071. (See Fig. 1)

(1) If the oil pressure hose assembly is not of the type illustrated in Figure 1, no further action in accordance with this AD is required.

(2) If the oil pressure hose assembly is of the type illustrated in Figure 1, prior to the next flight, replace with a new P/N B7071 hose assembly identified by Taylorcraft with a "T" stamped on one of the wrenching flats on one of the hose assembly brass fittings.

(b) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished.

(c) An equivalent means of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581.

All persons affected by this AD may obtain copies of documents referred to herein upon request to the Taylorcraft Aviation Corporation, P.O. Box 947, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745; or FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

This amendment becomes effective on March 1, 1987.


FIGURE 1 AD 87-03-08

[jmvolpp]

Re: New Leak

Thanks for remembering the oil hose AD and adding to thread. For N44305, the AD didn't apply as per item (1) since it didn't have the assembly in question.

Mike V.

[Robert Lees]

Re: New Leak

What I did was to take a standard AN840-4D fitting and tap the inside diameter for an externally-threaded aluminium bung, in which had been drilled a #40 hole (as I recall) in the bung.

The bung was threaded in and staked to prevent it inadvertently unscrewing.

[Len Petterson]

Re: New Leak

A fine thread Allan set screw in# 4 hose fitting will work as well maybe hard to drill but you may annil it before you but it in, use Looktite on it the red stuff!
And 2 or 3 punchmarks to hold it in place
Len