Gap Seal and cowl

[AirFox]

I just installed a gap seal that I thought others might be interested in. I used the 2" tape below from Aircraft Spruce. Basically what you do is over lap two pieces of the tape by 7/8". Sticky side to sticky side. The tape comes with a backing material that you can pull off then offset by 7/8". Take two pieces of the length that you need and put the sticky sides together. The result is a piece of tape with one side sticky up and the other side with the sticky down. Pull the backing off one side and stick it to the top of the Elevator and the other end down between the Horizontal stabilizer. Next pull the backing tape off the other side of the tape and stick it to the bottom of the Horizontal Stabilizer. I used a piece of masking tape on the Elevator to get it lined up straight.

Lenghts for the SS7 are 4.25", 15", 3", 18.5". You will need these lengths for each side. Hope this is easy to understand.


I installed this because I liked what I saw on Dougs (Floog) plane. We got the idea from a flying buddy. Should help elevator effectiveness. I flight tested tonight and could feel a difference.

3M 8674 TAPE CLR 2"X12 YD L/E
Part #: 09-01643

Another great Idea Doug came up with for the Rotax oil cooler is an adjustable flap(guillitine). It gives you the ability to adjust the air flow through the Oil Cooler. It easily can increase the oil temp by 20 to 30 degrees. My oil temp used to run 135 deg F at altitude or in the winter. With the oil flap I can keep the temp up toward 180 deg F. An added benefit is the heater pumps warmer air! See pictures below. I used Teflon tape to help the guillitine slide up and down. Attached to the guillitine is a throttle cable run to the Panel.


I'll post pictures below.

[AirFox]

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[AirFox]

This picture is not very clear, but may help give you an idea.
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[colospace]

Nice idea; I think I will add that to my list of improvements to make after I get it flying.

[Esser]

My take on Scott and Doug's oil cooler guillotine. Install on the plane tomorrow. 21314

[PapuaPilot]

I just installed a gap seal that I thought others might be interested in. I used the 2" tape below from Aircraft Spruce.
3M 8674 TAPE CLR 2"X12 YD L/E
Part #: 09-01643

I did the exact same thing using the thick 2" Gorilla Tape which is available at WalMart or any big box store or hardware. One roll was under $8 and will last for several applications. The 3M stuff is $2 per foot at ACS.

[jiott]

Phil, I also went with the ACS 3M leading edge tape mainly because it is UV resistant and should last for many, many years. I could be wrong, but I don't believe the Gorilla tape or some others out there have the combination of toughness, flexibility, AND UV resistance. I suppose the cheap stuff could be replaced often for little cost, but its not the easiest thing to install neatly and cleaning off the old tape may be a problem.

[Danzer1]

For edification read here: https://www.gorillatough.com/product/crystal-clear-gorilla-tape/

[PapuaPilot]

Look at that! . . . it's UV resistant, doesn't yellow and it works underwater. I don't think I will try the underwater part. :D

I'm not knocking the 3M product, we use it on the certified planes in our fleet. It's a great product.

[jiott]

Thanks Greg, that's good info about the Gorilla Tape I was unaware of.

[jrthomas]

Gorilla Tape has worked well for me. I used it for my elevator gap seals more than 3 years ago and I just recently replaced part of it mainly because it had yellowed. It's super strong, sticks good and the price is right. The roll I have would probably do 20 airplanes. Years ago a friend came up with the idea of using book binder tape.. It's clear and strong and will last a couple of years. My buddy's Carbon Cub uses a rubber strip that presses into the gap. That would be the ideal solution if something like that was available for the Kitfox. I've seen them available through some of the aviation parts suppliers and of course the prices are outrageous.

[Flybyjim]

flight tested tonight and could feel a difference

What was the difference you had with the gap seal

[ken nougaret]

I'm betting that when these tapes are applied over poly-tone, then removed, the paint comes with it? Anyone had that happen?

[jrthomas]

Nope! I pulled the old tape off with no problems, cleaned off the old adhesive with mineral spirits and put the new tape on.

[rv9ralph]

flight tested tonight and could feel a difference

What was the difference you had with the gap seal

Could you provide pictures of how you applied it?

Ralph

[PapuaPilot]

I can show you mine Ralph.

Basically you put the sticky side of two pieces together with 7/8 ' to 1" overlapped and install the remaining sticky portions to top horizontal stab TE and and bottom elevator LE. It's a little challenging to get them on without sticking to the wrong thing, but it can be done if you are careful.

Phil

[Shadowrider]

Ha anyone tried the gap seal cub crafters sells?

[AirFox]

Jim and I tried it for a few years. CubCrafters foam gap seals is rolled when it's made so it has a tendency to curl out of the gap. When the foam seal is in it works. The tape solution works better. I've done both.

Scott

[airlina]

For other than tape options ,do a gap seal search on this forum , this was discussed back in 2013. I used home depot pipe insulation foam in the gap and it has worked well for 5 years now . there are tutorial pictures on that old thread Bruce N199CL

[fastfred]

Phil
What kind of tape did you use that is ok on the paint?]

[PapuaPilot]

Gorilla tape. Check out posts 6 and 8 in this thread.

FYI I have Stits Polytone on my tail.

[jabkwab]

Blenderm surgical tape. Flexible, clear, does not yellow and stays removable.