Interesting question about the 50 hour fuel filter AD

[Cliff Biggs]

After doing it twice now (100 hrs), I'm wondering how many out there actually check to see if the lock washers are replaced when the screws come out of the filter housing? Mine, the first time, looked like they had been well used by many mechanics. With no safety wire through them the lock washers are essential.

[Charles (David) Miller]

Wow Cliff, you sure put some hours on your bird. We got ours about the same time and I thought I flew a lot at 70 hours. Cliff, what's that AD number? I just got out of annual and I checked the strainers myself and found one nylon strainer and one OEM installed. The nylon one was split and not doing anything. Found two in Canada at $265 each (lucky me). Is this what you're talking about? My bowls had locking washers on the screws, but like you said, they had been reused.

[Cliff Biggs]

Yes that's the AD I was working on. My filters are the nylon ones but in good shape. I will be getting new gaskets for the bowls though.

[Kristin Winter]

To the best of my knowledge, those nylon filters are not approved. They may have been borrowed from a Cherokee Six valve which is of a very similar design.

[Cliff Biggs]

HMMMMMM! Interesting I had no idea as they were in there when I bought the plane. They fit perfect and do the job well but I'll have to check into what you say Thanks Kristin.

[Charles (David) Miller]

I wondered about that (nylon screen) when I couldn't find a part number for it in the parts manual. Piper didn't have any and the response was 120 days to get one. I Googled the part number and felt lucky to find the ones I did. Some prices were up in the $600 range for the OEM part. I know these problems are only going to get worse as our airplanes age, but as I turn 65, I may wear out before my bird does, LOL.