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04-23-2016, 12:02 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Olympia WA
Posts: 173
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Who engineered this go%#~?darn gascolator
I thought cleaning the screen on my RV-12 gascolator would be easy, this is darn near impossible. It couldn't have been made more difficult. How do I get a screwdriver up in there to get the hidden straight slot screw ?. Or do I have to disconnect the fuel line and try to get the 3/8 head bolts out and take the whole darn thing off.
Anyone have any tricks or tips to help get this thing off.
Thank
Tom O.
__________________
Tom O.
RV-12, bought flying
Hoskins Field, 44T
Olympia WA
the bitterness of poor quality
lingers long after the cheap
price is forgotten.
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04-23-2016, 12:23 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Martinsville, IN
Posts: 2,326
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A long flat screwdriver is all that's needed. Clip the safety wire and remove the screws. Tip to get the bowl off, hold the sump drain open to let air inside as you pull the bowl down.
The real hard part is getting it all back together!! The trick is to back the rear screws out a half of turn so you can get the safety wire on. Then tighten the screws and then run the safety wire to the front screws.
It's a little tight in there but with some patience and a few tricks, you'll get it. Good luck.
__________________
Randy Pflanzer
Greenwood, IN
www.pflanzer-aviation.com
Paid through 2043!
Lund fishing Boat, 2017, GONE FISHING
RV-12 - Completed 2014, Sold
427 Shelby Cobra - Completed 2012, Sold
F1 EVO - partially completed, Sold
F1 Rocket - Completed 2005, Sold
RV-7A - Partially completed, Sold
RV-6 - Completed 2000, Sold
Long-EZ - Completed 1987, Sold
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04-23-2016, 12:24 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,365
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Hi Tom,
Some of us with early planes had to do a mod to get to that screw. Your plane, bought flying, may need this done. Vans issued this update drawing for making a hole in the nose gear bracket.
It still doesn't make the screen removal really easy but you will get the hang of it, and its not too bad a job. Do a search on the gascolator to find other tips. Have fun!
Then, if I remember correctly, the nose gear came with the hole already drilled, except it was on the wrong side and you still had to make the hole on the correct side!
I have not looked at any of the recent kits but this has probably been fixed.
__________________
Tony
E-LSA RV-12 ULS
Last edited by Tony_T : 04-23-2016 at 12:29 PM.
Reason: more info added
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04-23-2016, 01:55 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
Posts: 9,035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony_T
Hi Tom,
Some of us with early planes had to do a mod to get to that screw. Your plane, bought flying, may need this done. Vans issued this update drawing for making a hole in the nose gear bracket.
It still doesn't make the screen removal really easy but you will get the hang of it, and its not too bad a job. Do a search on the gascolator to find other tips. Have fun!
Then, if I remember correctly, the nose gear came with the hole already drilled, except it was on the wrong side and you still had to make the hole on the correct side!
I have not looked at any of the recent kits but this has probably been fixed.
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Yup, and keep in mind these screws do not need to torqued super tight (nor should the be, they thread into aluminum threads).
The screws simply hold on the retaining ring.... which in turn holds on the cup.
The screws get safety wired so they are not coming out.
__________________
Opinions, information and comments are my own unless stated otherwise. They do not necessarily represent the direction/opinions of my employer.
Scott McDaniels
Van's Aircraft Engineering Prototype Shop Manager
Hubbard, Oregon
RV-6A (aka "Junkyard Special ")
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04-23-2016, 02:54 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gloversville, NY
Posts: 1,587
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Somebody not long ago made a suggestion that I found simple and very helpful. Go to the hardware store and buy a few parts in the plumbing section to make a T handle that will screw into the bottom of the bowl where the quickdrain goes. The extra leverage makes it quite easy to get the bowl off.
__________________
John Peck, CFII, A&P, EAA Tech Counselor, Flight Advisor.
?Master Pilot? Award, UFO Member.
RV-12 N37JP 120176 Flying since 2012.
One Week Wonder Build Team, OSH 2018.
VAF paid through 10/2019.
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04-23-2016, 03:57 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Great Falls, Montana
Posts: 84
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use allen head screws and a "T" allen wrench - makes it much easier
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04-23-2016, 04:55 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Riley TWP MI
Posts: 3,070
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Like Scott said, the screws do not need to be very tight because the seal is between the "O" ring and cylinder wall of the gascolator. Even if the screws were one full turn loose, the gascolator would not leak, not that I am suggesting that. 
Someone should invent some type of easily removable spring clip to hold the bowl on instead of screws.
__________________
Joe Gores
RV-12 Flying
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04-23-2016, 05:49 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Independence, OR
Posts: 56
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Someone did invent a simple-to-clean gascolator. http://www.stevesaircraft.com/gascolator.php
One cotter pin is all it takes to remove or secure the bowl. I put one on our Aeronca Chief.
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04-23-2016, 07:28 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID/Casa Grande, AZ
Posts: 654
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2johns
use allen head screws and a "T" allen wrench - makes it much easier
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Like it....darn good idea...will change @ next removal😎
__________________
Ric Dickison
307 (CAB) Phantom
Search and Destroy (Can Tho RVN)
Distinguished Flying Cross Society Member
CH-47 & UH-1H "Driver"
Rotax 9 Series Service IRMT
RV-12 Kit#729 "N312RD" is now a full functioning fun machine!! Thanks Van for fulfilling my dream😎
2018 Dues Paid
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04-23-2016, 08:10 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,820
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I replaced my drain valve with one that can lock open to prevent drawing a vacuum that inhibits bowl removal. Scott cautioned against this because it could lock open. Bad news: it can and did yesterday. Good news fuel pouring ou of it made it easy to figure out. I guess it's a trade ft between maintenance and operation. I'll keep the lock open design and be aware of it on preflight.
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