Finger Strainers

[danerazz]

Just because I have never put an NPT fitting in fiberglass before, is anyone epoxying or using any kind of sealant for the finger strainer bushings that are threaded directly into the fuel tanks? Or do they seal-up fine by themselves?

[FlyerChief]

I have heard that this is the best thing to use, but I am open to suggestions too...

Loctite 567 PST Thread Sealant with PTFE
Loctite® 567™ PST® Thread Sealant with PTFE is a general purpose instant sealer for tapered and straight/tapered fittings. Controlled strength for easy disassembly. It has excellent solvent resistance, allows easy assembly, prevents galling and can withstand temperatures up to 400° F (204° C). Excellent for high pressure applications: locks and seals tapered metal, pipe threads and fittings. Ideal for stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized metal and other inert metals. Disassembles with hand tools. CSA 3319-81 and 3319-01. UL MH007(N). NSF/ANSI 61 Certified. ULC-Canada Approved. CFIA Approved.

-Dan

[Gil T]

I used EZ Turn Lubricant when I put mine plane together seven years ago and when I removed to smaller tanks the filters were easy to remove and still no leaks.

Aircraft Spruce has this stuff.

Gil T

[Wes]

I ended up epoxying the bushing into the tank. I wanted to be able to remove the finger strainer without disturbing the tapped fiberglass hole.

DSC05328small.jpg

The teflon tape got swapped out for Loctite thread sealer.

The additional bushing on the bottom of the tank (at the top of the photo) is for a Safe-Air wing tank quick drain.

So far, the tanks drains are leak tight, however I am re-thinking the quick drain.
When they leak due to trash in the o-ring, they drip right on the lexan door and make nasty stain!

Oh well, some of the best made plans------

[danerazz]

Wes,

I was thinking of doing the same thing with the wing drains, but decided against it after reading some Tone Bingelis stuff and just doing some serious thinking about my fuel system. I really liked your installation, and now that you mention the stains, etc., I am pretty sure I have made my final decision. I am running a 3 gallon head with a considerable sump area, so only large quantities of water could pose a problem, and they should be readily detected.

I like your epoxy-in bushings, and I think I will follow that plan.

Tite-seal is my npt lube of choice (used to use it at a couple of shops and liked how it works).

Thanks again

[Johnny C!]

I ended up epoxying the bushing into the tank. I wanted to be able to remove the finger strainer without disturbing the tapped fiberglass hole.

DSC05328small.jpg

The teflon tape got swapped out for Loctite thread sealer.

The additional bushing on the bottom of the tank (at the top of the photo) is for a Safe-Air wing tank quick drain.

So far, the tanks drains are leak tight, however I am re-thinking the quick drain.
When they leak due to trash in the o-ring, they drip right on the lexan door and make nasty stain!

Oh well, some of the best made plans------

The epoxied bushings are an
excellant idea. I will keep
that in mind if/when I need
to remove my strainers.

Later!

John

[CanadianSheepHunter]

Anyone have a bad experience with Form a gasket #3 with gasoline with ethanol? Just researching what others are using. Heard of 567 Loc tite, 515 Loc Tite, Fuel Lube, EZ Turn, Chemseal and Pro Seal

[Tralika]

Anyone using the bushing experienced any problems with the hose clearance on the butt rib when folding/unfolding the wings?

[danerazz]

It was tight, I had to relieve the rib to get everything to fit, but I don’t believe it was because of the bushing. The centerline of the fitting is still the same, it is just about 1/4”-5/16” further inboard. I think it would have been similar without the bonded bushing.