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  #1  
Old 10-04-2009, 02:08 PM
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jrouault jrouault is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Posts: 133
Default Wing Tip Light Lens Seal?

Are people sealing the wingtip light lens and if so how? After flying in some rain the other day I saw some moisture that behind the wingtip lenses. I have the Creativair combo LED nav light, strobe, and HID landing light setup, so there is lots of stuff that could be harmed by the water. I am thinking of sealing the lens, but not sure how. Anybody else do this?
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RV-7A TMX IO-360 3-Blade MT CS Prop, Flying
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  #2  
Old 10-05-2009, 04:15 AM
Bob Axsom Bob Axsom is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,685
Default No seal on mine

I actually drilled a 1/8" drain hole in the lower aft inboard corner of each lens.

Bob Axsom
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  #3  
Old 10-05-2009, 04:56 AM
Pilottonny Pilottonny is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Belgium
Posts: 645
Question What about cleaning?

I still have to do the lenses, but I am wondering, if water gets on the inside of the plexy, it will get dirty. How do you clean them?, take them off every ones in a while?

Regards, Tonny.
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Tonny Tromp
Lanaken, Belgium (EU)
RV9A, Registration: PH-VAN
ECI-Titan IOX-320 with dual EI, turning a Whirlwind 200RV CS prop.
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  #4  
Old 10-05-2009, 05:56 AM
terrykohler terrykohler is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,009
Default Water in the Airplane

Even if a small amount of moisture can get around the lens, I don't think it would be enough to do any damage to the lights or connections. Nothing so far on mine. On the other hand, even with sealing, water sometimes finds a way in and maybe now you've managed to trap it.
I'm more concerned with water getting thru the canopy seal. Twice now I've flown for brief periods in what ATC is calling as moderate to heavy rain. Nothing like tracking an ILS where you start to feel drips on your feet inside the final fix. I keep trying to improve the forward seal (tip-up). It's better, but still not perfect. Anybody tried anything that's worked?
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP
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  #5  
Old 02-15-2010, 06:51 AM
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apkp777 apkp777 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 2,053
Default

I am finishing my wing tips and also have the same question about sealing the tips. I was thinking a simple strip of UHMW tape might do the trick. Or maybe a bead of silicone on the edges? Any thoughts?
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Tony Phillips
N524AP, RV 9 (tail wheel)
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  #6  
Old 02-15-2010, 12:33 PM
ao.frog ao.frog is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manstad, Norway
Posts: 866
Default Silikon

I put a small string of clear silikon on the inside of the top edges, (the lower edges don't need any ofcourse) and so far it's been working good : I've flown through rain several times and I haven't seen any moisture inside the lenses yet.
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First RV-7 completed, (bought partly finished from a US-builder) 305 hrs per July 2014, SOLD
Second -7 had first flight Feb 25th 2014. 220 hrs pr July 2019. Life is good!
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  #7  
Old 09-25-2013, 04:35 PM
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sglynn sglynn is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Anacortes, WA
Posts: 823
Default Silicon on wing tip lens to seal

If you use the silicon to seal the top edge of the lens can you still remove the lens easy enough later for cleaning, maintenance, painting or for whatever reason?

How about others? Do we need to do anything to seal the embedded wing tip plastic lens? Or is it just fine to install and fly and not worry. Is a hole for drainage or ventilation necessary?

thanks
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RV-7A
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Anacortes, WA
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  #8  
Old 09-25-2013, 11:36 PM
Stoo Stoo is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: LL10, Naperville, IL.
Posts: 68
Default

I was planning on using peelable silicon caulk on my lenses when I get finished.
www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=20

Stewart Willoughby
6, finishing
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  #9  
Old 09-26-2013, 04:22 PM
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sglynn sglynn is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Anacortes, WA
Posts: 823
Default Seel and Peel

Stewart
Excellent. I didn't know such a product existed. I'll be sealing mine shortly.
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RV-7A
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  #10  
Old 09-28-2013, 11:39 AM
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B Cunningham B Cunningham is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 244
Default heat

My issue with the tips has been heat. If you seal them tightly you could melt the plexi with the heat from the strobe...
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Ben Cunningham
RV7 N701VF
Bowman Field, Louisville, KY
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