Gas tank cap cover
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- Mjwatlanta
- 3 Diamonds Member
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Sat May 14, 2022 9:35 pm
- First Name: Michael
- Aircraft Type: DA40NG
- Aircraft Registration: N161DA
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Gas tank cap cover
Unfortunately I have to keep my DA 40 NG outdoors. I bought a canopy cover and cowling plugs. But every time it rained, when I went out to fly there was water pooled around the gas caps. Maybe I was being paranoid, but I was convinced that this water was going to get into the tank and cause trouble. So, before I checked the tanks I would always blow the water away as best I could. I decided that that was not the best plan, so I bought bathtub drain covers to cover the caps. The covers designed for airplanes are way too expensive. These are cheap. It’s only been a few days, but so far my idea seems to be working pretty well. Below is a photograph and Amazon description
Tub Stopper Silicone Floor Drain Anti-Odor Mat, Silica Gel Drain Plugs, Anti-Odor Deodorizing Cover, Kitchen Seal, Sewer Deodorization 2Pieces Suitable for Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry
Brand: CHAIKEN&CAPONE
4.2 out of 5 stars 329 ratings
-10% $12.59$12.59
Tub Stopper Silicone Floor Drain Anti-Odor Mat, Silica Gel Drain Plugs, Anti-Odor Deodorizing Cover, Kitchen Seal, Sewer Deodorization 2Pieces Suitable for Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry
Brand: CHAIKEN&CAPONE
4.2 out of 5 stars 329 ratings
-10% $12.59$12.59
- Colin
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
You are not being paranoid at all. Our original Diamond, a DA40, was hangared for 115hrs. Then I got it and put in on a tie down in sunny SoCal. After two rainstorms the right fuel probe failed, eventually requiring a visit from a factory tech to replace it. Those o-rings fail now and again, even early on.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
- smoss
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- First Name: Steve
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
Is the fuel cap o-ring on the DA40 something that we should probably be preventatively changing ever now and then? And assuming it is, anyone have an easy replacement part for it?
Steve
DA40 XL
DA40 XL
- Steve
- 5 Diamonds Member
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
My A&P/IA has me replace them every 7-10 years, although I never have had any water in the tanks. I think that it is a good idea. For DA40s:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... -02218.php
I'm not sure what kind of fuel caps the NGs have.
- smoss
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
Thanks Steve. I assume it is the same for standard and long range tanks and is straightforward how to take it apart and change the little o-rings?
Steve
DA40 XL
DA40 XL
- Steve
- 5 Diamonds Member
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
The cap is the same for standard and long range. Very easy job - should take you 20 minutes per side.
- smoss
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
Steve, parts in hand and hoping for a brief synopsis of how to change the 2 small o-rings in the kit. Surprising that Newton has absolutely no instructions for these things! I recall reading somewhere that if you don't do it right, the lock springs fly out.
Steve
DA40 XL
DA40 XL
- Steve
- 5 Diamonds Member
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Re: Gas tank cap cover
It has been about 5 or six years since I last did it. I didn't have any issues, but I can't remember offhand the exact steps I took. No issues with the lock cylinder. I didn't have any service information or diagrams either. I suppose it might be worth a shot to contact Newton:
https://www.newton-equipment.com/#contact
https://www.newton-equipment.com/#contact