Quick question?

[Robert Anglin]

We have decided that the old Van's pitot-static is going away. In favor of a Garmin pitot, Safeair mast and the P-51 static ports. When removing the old Van's pitot tube it came to us to use the old hole for the temp. probe that comes with the G-3X set-up. Can someone be kind to me as I don't have one in hand at this time and tell me what the boss size is where the probe go's through the skin? We may have to make a shim, but this looks like a good spot to us. Thanks. Yours as always. R.E.A. III # 80888

[Bill.Peyton]

It uses as 5/16 nut and washer

[Robert Anglin]

Thanks, I know what to do now and can make a Washer to fit the hole that is there now, I think 5/8" and reduce it down to 5/16". Yours R.E.A. III #80888

[David Paule]

What are P-51 static ports?

Dave

[humptybump]

I removed the Vans traditional pitot tube. I then installed the Garmin OAT probe in the old pitot location with no additional shim. I simply use the included crushable sealing orange washer.

I then installed the safeair mask and the Garmin heated tube one bay outside of the last inspection plate.

[Robert Anglin]

Originally Posted by David Paule

What are P-51 static ports?

Dave

Thanks, "Hump." I will used the old hole as this seams to be a good place away from the cabin and I have electrical conduit running through the wing just above that sight anyway.

The P-51-FM static ports are out of the Wicks catalog. This is there part number. They are very nice flush mount ports to the ".032" skin at that site on the tail boom. Those are in as of yesterday and look as good as any that I have seen on a "Heavy" on the ramp. My thought was If I was going to change out the stock pitot-static system that Van's had supplied, that I would install some very nice ports at the same time. Van sends out those pop-rivets that you "RTV" the tube to the shop-head side. I have not felt comfortable with those from day one, but they do work just fine. Yours as always. R.E.A. III #80888

[WingsOnWheels]

I would really recommend against changing the static ports. Mess with the Pitot all day long, but leave the static system alone. I have read too many stories on this site of "better" static ports that end up causing all kinds of problems.

If you are looking to improve the hose connection to the ports. Order a couple tank drain bosses from Van's, bond them over the ports on the inside and you have a nice 1/8" NPT connection.


Standard Vans Pop-rivet ports on the outside.

[Robert Anglin]

Originally Posted by WingsOnWheels

I would really recommend against changing the static ports. Mess with the Pitot all day long, but leave the static system alone. I have read too many stories on this site of "better" static ports that end up causing all kinds of problems.

If you are looking to improve the hose connection to the ports. Order a couple tank drain bosses from Van's, bond them over the ports on the inside and you have a nice 1/8" NPT connection.


Standard Vans Pop-rivet ports on the outside.

I have heard it both ways too. The P-51 ports are a little better fit and are pre-drilled with a thinner flange on them. If I find they don't do me right, I will just drill the center to the size of the old pop rivet and bond one in to match the old Van's set-up. But, yes it was the "RTV" and vibration with no pipe thread that sent me off to change them out.. Thanks good idea. Yours as always. R.E.A.III #80888

[Richard Connell]

Originally Posted by Robert Anglin

I have heard it both ways too. The P-51 ports are a little better fit and are pre-drilled with a thinner flange on them. If I find they don't do me right, I will just drill the center to the size of the old pop rivet and bond one in to match the old Van's set-up. But, yes it was the "RTV" and vibration with no pipe thread that sent me off to change them out.. Thanks good idea. Yours as always. R.E.A.III #80888

Hi Robert, I've been down this path myself and helped a few others..the pop rivet is by far the most accurate and trouble free solution. If you insist on going aftermarket - in my experience the Cleveland ones are accurate for an RV7.

If you install flush ports I almost guarantee you will have a meaningful static position error. IMO, It's just not worth the trouble - especially if you want to fly IFR. The position error can easily be 100' of altitude at RV approach speeds and more at cruise speeds. Not to mention meaningful IAS errors.

FWIW, I originally had another brand flush mount 5yrs ago before they changed the design. I also thought that drilling them and fitting the vans rivet into them would solve the problem. It solved the accuracy problem but introduced a static oscillation.

As an aside...
Vans should put a big bold warning at the front of the build instructions. "Build the static system to plans"
I'm amazed at how many people try to change it. ( I did ) I've since wasted years of my life getting my static position error down to an acceptable level

Cheers

Richard

[Kahuna]

Originally Posted by Robert Anglin

We have decided that the old Van's pitot-static is going away. In favor of a Garmin pitot, Safeair mast and the P-51 static ports. When removing the old Van's pitot tube it came to us to use the old hole for the temp. probe that comes with the G-3X set-up. Can someone be kind to me as I don't have one in hand at this time and tell me what the boss size is where the probe go's through the skin? We may have to make a shim, but this looks like a good spot to us. Thanks. Yours as always. R.E.A. III # 80888

Dont be surprised if the probe reads several degrees higher that actual in this location.