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06-23-2017, 06:40 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Union County, NJ
Posts: 933
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Fuel Cap Stuck?
Hi All,
I just purchased a RV and the plane has been sitting for a couple of years. I was trying to open the fuel caps and I really needed to put some muscle into it when trying to get them off. It seemed as if there was a sticky film on the inside of the cap?
What could have caused this?
What can I use to clean it off without ruining the gaskets?
Thanks,
D
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06-23-2017, 06:57 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hopkinsville, KY
Posts: 957
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Fuel lube
Most likely it's fuel lube on the o-ring. You can clean it off with fuel. If you use fuel lube in the cold weather it is very hard to remove the caps also. I use a little vaseline to lube my.
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06-23-2017, 07:02 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 2,333
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There might be EZ Turn or Fuel Lube on them. It is commonly advised here to do so, but it is a bad idea, particularly when cold weather come around.
The technique for removing the caps matters also - lift the tab, push straight down on the tab, then lift up on the cap if you can get a fingernail under the edge.
They may be adjusted too tight also.
You could try spraying something like Tri-Flo into the nooks of the caps, it may fix the problem. I do this a couple times a year.
If not, you might want to dis-assemble them, and try to rub off as much of whatever glop is in there as you can. Perhaps get new O-rings (small one and large one). No common solvent will dissolve the stuff (if it is EZ or Fuel Lube), so wiping away is the only method.
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Alex Peterson
RV6A N66AP 1700+ hours
KADC, Wadena, MN
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06-23-2017, 08:13 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexPeterson
The technique for removing the caps matters also - lift the tab, push straight down on the tab, then lift up on the cap if you can get a fingernail under the edge.
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This is KEY!
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Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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06-23-2017, 09:45 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Union County, NJ
Posts: 933
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Thanks Gents!
I will try that later tonight when I get to the airport.
D
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RV6A: N6389-->N456RJ - Avionics Upgrade & Restoration COMPLETE & Flying
WTB RV4/8?- Looking for a 4 or 8 that needs some love and TLC. PM me if you have one!
Donations Paid- Thank you VAF!
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06-23-2017, 03:16 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
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BTW, the nut on the bottom of the cap is not there to adjust the fit.
I fuellube my O-rings every Condition Inspection.
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06-23-2017, 06:23 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sutter Creek, CA
Posts: 842
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR
BTW, the nut on the bottom of the cap is not there to adjust the fit.
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Then how does one adjust the fit of the cap?
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Mark Ohlau
RV-6 N506MM VAF #1410
2017 Donation Made
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06-23-2017, 06:53 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 2,333
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The nut is a jam nut - the bottom piece is threaded. Loosen the nut, rotate the bottom piece as necessary, re-tighten the nut.
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Alex Peterson
RV6A N66AP 1700+ hours
KADC, Wadena, MN
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06-24-2017, 09:43 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
Posts: 9,035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR
BTW, the nut on the bottom of the cap is not there to adjust the fit.
I fuellube my O-rings every Condition Inspection.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexPeterson
The nut is a jam nut - the bottom piece is threaded. Loosen the nut, rotate the bottom piece as necessary, re-tighten the nut.
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Or maybe not.......
It all depends on the age vintage of the caps.
The earlier version of the caps did not have the lower plate of the cap threaded.
The adjustment was made by just turning the nut.
The older version cap also didn't have the white delrin plastic glide inserts for the o-ring to slide against, so that is an easy way to determine the version.
I think the were updated sometime in the early to mid 90's
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Van's Aircraft Engineering Prototype Shop Manager
Hubbard, Oregon
RV-6A (aka "Junkyard Special ")
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06-24-2017, 11:49 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: santa barbara, CA
Posts: 1,682
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmat
It seemed as if there was a sticky film on the inside of the cap? What could have caused this?What can I use to clean it off without ruining the gaskets?
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Fuel Lube, aka Easy Turn, as others have indicated. Avgas will NOT dissolve it. It's there to keep the o ring lubricated, so no reason to remove it unless it is all over the place and a nuisance to you.
Erich
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