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  #1  
Old 04-12-2008, 09:20 AM
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mototopo mototopo is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Italy
Posts: 203
Default Proseal/RTV on elevator.....

I was in my car going back home thinking to my project: right elevator riveted and perfectly done (waiting for some spares to complete the left one)...the next task is proseal the rudder trailing edge.... proseal.... proseal.....mhmmm.... PROSEAL?!?!??!?!

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! !

I forgot to add the proseal to the tip of the stiffeners before closing the elevator!!!

I think a lot of rivet drilling is waiting for me..... sigh!
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Was Avellino - Italy...
Now Cypress, TX

www.rv7a.it
RV-7 I-KLAU (Reserved)
Empennage Done!! (except fiberglass)
Wings done!!
Working on aft fuse.
...SOLD!

Last edited by mototopo : 06-12-2008 at 12:23 PM.
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  #2  
Old 04-12-2008, 12:48 PM
Birkelbach Birkelbach is offline
 
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Location: Waller, Texas
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Default

I don't remember any Proseal on the elevator? Is this the new and improved way to help with trailing edge cracking? We used to use RTV. If you forgot that then don't worry about it. Replacing all those rivets will likely cause you more problems than the lack of RTV (err Proseal).
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  #3  
Old 04-12-2008, 06:24 PM
Transporter Transporter is offline
 
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Location: Lee's Summit, MO
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Default Proseal

You might consider the thin version of proseal described in this thread; it is similar to honey in viscosity and might flow down the fold in the elevator so you don't have to open it up.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...hlight=proseal

Mike
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  #4  
Old 04-13-2008, 06:24 AM
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mototopo mototopo is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Birkelbach View Post
...Is this the new and improved way to help with trailing edge cracking? ...
Right, I don't know if leaving the elevator without Proseal will cause any problem in the future

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transporter
---You might consider the thin version of proseal described in this thread...
Thanks Mike. Maybe I can squeeze this kind of thinner "proseal" thru the holes in the spar using some kind of large syringe and a tube long enough to reach the trailing edge...

...mhmmm.....
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Claudio
Was Avellino - Italy...
Now Cypress, TX

www.rv7a.it
RV-7 I-KLAU (Reserved)
Empennage Done!! (except fiberglass)
Wings done!!
Working on aft fuse.
...SOLD!
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  #5  
Old 04-13-2008, 08:41 AM
m3tt5 m3tt5 is offline
 
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Location: Biggsville ILL
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Default

I am getting ready to build my elevators and have not read to directions yet but since you are talking about this I thought I would ask where the pro seal is suppose to go? Does anybody have any pictures of where the pro seal is suppose to go? That always helps me out. Thank you
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  #6  
Old 04-13-2008, 10:35 AM
Transporter Transporter is offline
 
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Location: Lee's Summit, MO
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Default RTV / Proseal in Empennage

The idea is to put a small dab of RTV or Proseal in the folded edge of the elevators (and in the case of the RV8, the rudder) to reduce vibration and the chance of cracking in these components. The stiffeners almost touch in these folded edges and I put a blob about the size a quarter at each stiffener location.

Dan Checkoway has a good photo at:

http://www.rvproject.com/20011015.html

Mike
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  #7  
Old 06-12-2008, 12:21 PM
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mototopo mototopo is offline
 
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Ok... after long thinking I managed to solve the problem without success.

First I tried to squeeze the RTV through a small tube: mission impossible!

My last chance was to drill out a good number of rivets to open the elevator and put the #@@#!!! RTV where it was supposed to be, but I ended up with some slightly enlarged/elongated holes on the skin. I have 4 of them in a row along the spar and I don't think that using oops rivets there is a good idea.
Perhaps it would be better to leave everything as it was!! (Phil, you were right!!)

My final decision: I'll build a new elevator!! (I hope I can save at least the understructure!!)
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Claudio
Was Avellino - Italy...
Now Cypress, TX

www.rv7a.it
RV-7 I-KLAU (Reserved)
Empennage Done!! (except fiberglass)
Wings done!!
Working on aft fuse.
...SOLD!

Last edited by mototopo : 06-12-2008 at 12:25 PM.
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  #8  
Old 06-12-2008, 02:05 PM
N258RE N258RE is offline
 
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Location: MI
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I did the same thing, well I remembered on one side and forgot on the other,

I forgot which side it even was to be honest with you and I don't recall putting RTV in the rudder

I sent an Email to Vans and here is the reply I received :


Just keep an eye on the last rivet in the stiffeners near the trailing edge. If you see a crack, stop drill it. Our RV-4 has several and stop drilling keep the crack from getting any longer. You will do more harm by trying to unrivet the skin.
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  #9  
Old 06-12-2008, 02:27 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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Location: Dallas area
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Default No Proseal, No Problem...

I built my elevators 1989 with no proseal, RTV, or anything else. Still flying today with no cracks or any other problems.
If the trailing edge is properly bent, you should not have a problem.
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  #10  
Old 06-12-2008, 05:05 PM
Ted Johns Ted Johns is offline
 
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Location: Sherwood, Oregon
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Default

Another idea:

Drill out the aft most rivet, bottom side on each stiffener you want to "fix". It will need to be replaced with a flush Cherry pop rivet. With the rivet out, use a caulking gun to squeeze standard silicone seal through the rivet hole. Drill a hole in the tip of the cartridge, it should fit the dimple well. Plenty of squeeze force available this way.

Disclaimer: I bet this works, but I haven't tried it.
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