New optional kit: ACCESS PANEL KIT for 7/9/10/14 - Page 5

RandyAB · #41 02-28-2020, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

That will be just about 100% dependent on how well they are sealed by the installer!

And how precisely does the installer seal them?

scorwin · #42 02-29-2020, 05:36 PM

I'm guessing by using pro seal around the edges

RONSIM · #43 02-29-2020, 06:42 PM

I have them open often enough for inspections and tweaking that I would not want to use anything like proseal.

Ron

rongawer · #44 02-29-2020, 11:21 PM

Create a rubber seal.

Use permatex black silicone to form a seal. Put a good coat of mold release on the airframe, I use maguires mold release, but any good wax will do the job. Then place a thick bead of the RTV on the cover and smear the entire seating surface, ensuring you coat well around the screw dimples, and then install. Wait for the rtv to cure, remove any excess and booyah, you have a seal that is water tight.

You will be able to remove the cover and reinstall no problem.

scorwin · #45 03-01-2020, 11:49 AM

A gasket can be created between the VA-258A Access Rings and VA-258B Access Panels using a thin application of tank sealant. Apply a small bead of sealant along the top side of the access ring close to the edge of the F-771, F-7106, or F-1071 FWD Fuse Tip Skin. Cover the opening and sealant with an oversized piece of plastic wrap and press the access panel into position. Screw the access panel in place and allow for the tank sealant to cure completely. Remove the access panel and carefully peel off the plastic wrap. Replace the access panel and screw into place.

Haven't done this yet though myself.

Above would likely work as well.

rvbuilder2002 · #46 03-01-2020, 12:35 PM

I am guessing a lot of RV builders are not aware of some of the lessons learned over the years regarding these types of features on aircraft.

Example - The early generation Mooneys had a large access cover on the fwd upper fuselage just ahead of the base of the windscreen, to provide access to the firewall side of the instrument panel. As these airplanes got older, water intrusion and the damage and corrosion it caused, became a serous problem and there have been constant challenges in keeping them sealed water tight.

For this reason, I would never install access panels without wet sealing the covers when installing them.
Particularly when one of the the prime reasons for installing the covers was to provide easy access to expensive electronics equipment.