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Request to 3D print oil cap

I've printed this one a couple of times, and both times it came back just slightly too big. Could be the two different services I've used, but just a heads up.
 
That cap looks really nice. I have a test tube plug with a hole in it and it works fine but not as cool as this.
 
Shrinkage

Depending on the filament type used (I would use ABS for this one), the part will shrink - typically 1-2%.
 
I had a Lycoming dipstick cap printed by a buddy (plan was the one from Thingiverse) for my dehydrator...it didn't fit my Lycoming engine. A guy here on VAF had printed some as well, and was giving them away for a VAF donation, but it turned out to be the same cap, so now I have two of the dipstick caps supposedly for a Lycoming engine that don't fit my Lycoming engine. They seem to work fine for everyone else's Lycoming engine.

Anyway, I am happy to send you, or anyone else these dipstick caps for the cost of postage...I have no need for them. My dehydrator actually works fine with just a drilled #60 rubber stopper from the hardware store.

I'm puzzled as to why my factory Lycoming IO320-D1A has a different dipstick tube, but...oh well.


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MacCool said:
I'm puzzled as to why my factory Lycoming IO320-D1A has a different dipstick tube, but...oh well.
Click to expand...

Check out the first two links in post #8 above. Apparently the older Lyc's have a 1 1/4" dia. cap and the new Lyc's have a 1 1/8" dia. cap. Maybe that is the difference.
 
Lycoming has (at least) 2 different size oil filler tubes. I discovered my IO390 had a different size tube when I bought a 3d printed cap from Steve Melton for my dehydrator. Jeff Schans provided a drawing for the correct cap and Steve now sells different sizes.
 
RV8JD said:
Check out the first two links in post #8 above. Apparently the older Lyc's have a 1 1/4" dia. cap and the new Lyc's have a 1 1/8" dia. cap. Maybe that is the difference.
Click to expand...

I did, and you're right...thanks.



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RV8JD said:
Check out the first two links in post #8 above. Apparently the older Lyc's have a 1 1/4" dia. cap and the new Lyc's have a 1 1/8" dia. cap. Maybe that is the difference.
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, what constitutes an "older" Lycoming? My YIO-320 D1A left the factory on May 28, 2008, airplane's AWC is October 2011. Any idea when Lycoming made the switch to the smaller diameter dipstick tube?
 
MacCool said:
Just out of curiosity, what constitutes an "older" Lycoming? My YIO-320 D1A left the factory on May 28, 2008, airplane's AWC is October 2011. Any idea when Lycoming made the switch to the smaller diameter dipstick tube?
Click to expand...

I don't. Sorry.
 
1-1/4” 12 TPI aluminum cap

Ref post #8 re different oil cap sizes.

My oil cap is 1-1/4 dia, 12 TPI. Aluminum and steel bungs with aluminum caps are available with that thread. I haven’t found the cap by itself.

“Aluminum Filler Neck Weld On Bung - Screw Cap Small CNC Gas Oil Tank”

This is one of the least expensive ones at $10.40: https://www.ebay.com/itm/283949540302
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MacCool said:
Yes, probably. It fits nicely and is pretty secure, easier than screwing a plastic cap in. That said, I did order a 1.25 inch printed cap from Steve.
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I did get the 1 1/4" dehydrator cap from Steve and found that it fits my 15 year-old Lycoming perfectly. It's threaded for a 3/8" pipe nipple, so I screwed in a brass barbed fitting and hooked it up to my airplane. The "6 rubber stopper I was using was more convenient, but I was afraid the threads of the dipstick tube would start shredding the rubber, fragments of which would end up in my oil pan. That seems like something I should avoid. This is a nice solution. Well-executed by Steve and shipped very promptly.

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Cap

I modified mine. Drilled and tapped for a larger NPT fitting.
My dehydrator moves a lot of air.
20230711_155635.jpg
 
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