We purchased our 9A already flying and just finished our first condition inspection. After buttoning everything back up, I took a turn around the pattern and returned to the shop to ask a few questions. We noticed there was a steady, relatively rapid drip from the gascolator fuel drain (Van's standard, the CAV-110).
The IA had removed the gascolator to inspect and clean the screen during the inspection. At this point, when we noticed the drip, he tried my fuel sampler a few times in the drain, and the dripping stopped. I flew back home.
Since this, I can only get a very very gradual sample from the gascolator drain, as if it's mostly clogged. I took another look this afternoon, and I see I could only change out the drain if the bottom cowl is off.
I don't know much about the functioning of the gascolator and how it interfaces with the drain, but I'm wondering if this can wait until the next oil change. If I am patient, I can still sample the drain for water (particularly if I start there and then move to sample the drains on the tanks). I welcome thoughts on whether this is OK for now.
Thanks,
Doug
The IA had removed the gascolator to inspect and clean the screen during the inspection. At this point, when we noticed the drip, he tried my fuel sampler a few times in the drain, and the dripping stopped. I flew back home.
Since this, I can only get a very very gradual sample from the gascolator drain, as if it's mostly clogged. I took another look this afternoon, and I see I could only change out the drain if the bottom cowl is off.
I don't know much about the functioning of the gascolator and how it interfaces with the drain, but I'm wondering if this can wait until the next oil change. If I am patient, I can still sample the drain for water (particularly if I start there and then move to sample the drains on the tanks). I welcome thoughts on whether this is OK for now.
Thanks,
Doug