VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Model Specific > RV-12/RV-12iS
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #11  
Old 04-26-2010, 04:24 PM
Mel's Avatar
Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FredMagare View Post
I'm not building a -12 (yet) but a possible solution to address the issue: how about applying some kind of film to the outside of the window? It would easily protect the window and could be replaced periodically if it gets cloudy from spilled fuel (unless the film is applied prior to installing the window). One could even use a static-attach type window TINT.... Certainly seems cheaper to keep $50 worth of static film on hand rather than have to replace a $200 piece of Lexan....
I'm afraid that this would not prevent fuel from seeping down between the seams and attacking the "edges" of the window.
__________________
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>
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-26-2010, 05:44 PM
dick seiders dick seiders is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 905
Default

All I can say is: WOW!
How long before any and all of us get fuel on the rear window with the fill tube adjacent to the window?
Hope Van comes up with an alternative material promptly as I suspect most will experience the problem sooner or later.
About 2-3 weeks from first flight and now another fuel concern. Sheeeesh!
Dick Seiders
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-26-2010, 07:11 PM
BigJohn BigJohn is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gloversville, NY
Posts: 1,587
Default Seal the edges?

Would it help to seal the edges of the Lexan with something to prevent any spilled fuel from penetrating? I have sanded all the edges smooth, but not yet installed the window.
__________________
John Peck, CFII, A&P, EAA Tech Counselor, Flight Advisor.
?Master Pilot? Award, UFO Member.
RV-12 N37JP 120176 Flying since 2012.
One Week Wonder Build Team, OSH 2018.
VAF paid through 10/2019.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-26-2010, 07:49 PM
JohnF JohnF is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 458
Default Lexan Damage from Fuel

This incident prompted me to do some internet searching and I see that it is well known that gasoline will destroy Lexan...and its been known for a long time. That's why I cannot understand why it was used in our RV-12's when the filler so very close to the Lexan...surely something better could have been devised. I am really dissappointed...the entire fuel idea...the "window" and now this...not good.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-26-2010, 08:01 PM
MartySantic's Avatar
MartySantic MartySantic is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Davenport, IA
Posts: 1,390
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnF View Post
This incident prompted me to do some internet searching and I see that it is well known that gasoline will destroy Lexan...and its been known for a long time. That's why I cannot understand why it was used in our RV-12's when the filler so very close to the Lexan...surely something better could have been devised. I am really dissappointed...the entire fuel idea...the "window" and now this...not good.
Got to comment. The RV-12 design is MAGNIFICENT! I love the flying characteristics. When filling it with fuel, just be CAREFUL. DO NOT SPILL. Using 5 gallon cans is not the best idea. Put a rubber mat or blanket down and you should not have a problem. Using a hand pump from a 15 gallon container, like I have been using has worked very well. This issue, is much different than the tank window issue which appears to have been solved.
__________________
Marty Santic ----- W9EAA
RV-12 N128MS ----- Now Flying
My RV-12 Build Log - http://www.martysrv12.blogspot.com/
Davenport, IA
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 04-26-2010, 08:12 PM
okiejohn okiejohn is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 74
Default tank window

The T1210 tank window is some unknown plastic type.It is flexible, but it might not be UV resistant or it might be very expensive. Maybe Vans can tell us what it is made out of.

The back window is made of Makrolon, which is a chemical resistant lexan, just not gasoline resistant.

John
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-26-2010, 08:50 PM
Peterk Peterk is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,378
Default

While I did spill gasoline on mine and ruined it, understand there are other things you can do to it that are just as damaging. The major one is overtightening. Another is a hole in the Lexan that binds the screw. Either of those two issues will craze it as well. You can make the whole as large as 3/8th. All you want is for the Lexan to "float" between turtle deck and the nut...or the roll bar. Lexan is famous for its strength (bulletproof windows) and its ability to bend, but it cannot handle the stress of any binding. As to the location of the filler tube, my back window had been on since I flew it in November. I didn't screw up splash gasoline on it until just before leaving for Sun n Fun. As Marty says, just be careful, its not something that happens everyday. The good news is if you do craze it, its just that...ugly, not something you can't fly with or that will get worse. Fix it when you have an extra $200. It certainly is not an issue to change the way I feel about this special plane. Just the way it flies is worth the build. There is no comparison on the market. I spilled gas on it, not the manufacturer. Just be careful. As careful as you need to be with the static electricity that is generated by plastic gas cans. That has an even worse potential problem which can be solved easily with a grounded metal tank.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 04-26-2010, 08:53 PM
JohnF JohnF is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 458
Default Window Problems

I found the manufacturer's web site that listed dozens and dozens of things that the Makrolon is resistent to, and dozens of things that it is not...gasoline is one of the 'not' things.

I have ordered a Flo-Fast fuel delivery system (look it up) that allows me to hand pump it from a ground level container into the filler via a hose, which can be 'shoved' down well into the neck, so there is a greatly reduced likelyhood of fuel contact. I will also cover the area with a flexible lightweight rubber sheet while fueling to add some protection.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 04-27-2010, 06:17 AM
FredMagare FredMagare is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyle, TX
Posts: 566
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel View Post
I'm afraid that this would not prevent fuel from seeping down between the seams and attacking the "edges" of the window.
Applying a film (tint) to the entire window prior to installation may not protect it from massive fuel spills but it might protect it from the type of spill reported in the original thread post, no? I'm just thinking that something is better than nothing....
__________________
Fred Magare
GySgt, USMC (Ret.)
PP-ASEL, A&P
Frederic.magare "at" gmail.com
RV-9A Firewall Forward
[Engine purchased]
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 04-27-2010, 07:46 AM
dick seiders dick seiders is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 905
Default

Sounds like a few good preventive ideas in the posts. I am about to final install rear window. Think I will enlarge the screw holes slightly, as well as look into application of a fuel resistant film. Am also thinking abouit a metal tank with hand pump and hose in my pickup (grounded) for fueling the 12. Should help. Keep the ideas coming. Thanks.
Dick Seiders
Reply With Quote
Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:47 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.