Gas tank cap cover

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Mjwatlanta
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Gas tank cap cover

Post by Mjwatlanta »

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
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Colin
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by Colin »

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
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smoss
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by smoss »

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
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Steve
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by Steve »

smoss wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 11:59 pm 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?
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.
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smoss
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by smoss »

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?
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Steve
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by Steve »

The cap is the same for standard and long range. Very easy job - should take you 20 minutes per side.
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smoss
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by smoss »

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.
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Re: Gas tank cap cover

Post by Steve »

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
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