Fuel cap question

[Phil Bridges]

All of the fuel caps on our Twin Co are at least 20 years old, and the two on the right side can no longer be adjusted down enough to tighten. I would like to replace all of them, but each new one is about $100. Webco has a PMA'd replacement for the mains at $37.95, but they have no aux replacement caps and don't expect to have any in the near future. One solution is to take the two caps that still seal and put them on the aux tanks and replace the main caps with the Webco replacements. Has anyone here used the Webco replacements and would comment on them? Are there better solutions besides buying all new standard caps?

[Tom Veatch]

Installed the WEBCO fuel caps on my PA24 main tanks during the annual last August. They are easy enough to remove and replace and I've seen no evidence of leakage around the caps. They've been in service for less than a year at this time, so I can't comment on long-term serviceability, but, at least for now, I have no regrets.

[N3322G]

Phil,

I've done both types of replacement caps on the twin and still prefer the original thermos cap style - despite the expense.

Lots of folks use the Webco caps and have no problems with them and originally neither did I but after a second set, the center spindle would seep fuel, tried several times to get it remedied and eventually just went back to the original thermos caps. I just don't have any patience for fuel leaking across the wing and staining the paint.

Some people soak old caps in a solution to rejuvenate them.

[skipsouthernsky]

Dear Phil,

I have some Webco fuel caps on my 180 that are about 20 years old. They work great. Sometimes they need to have the threads lubed due to turning a little harder, but that is no big deal to do. Takes about 10 minutes to do using a little "fuel lube" from Aircraft Spruce.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Skip Dykema

[JIMICS2452]

A short soak for 15-30 minutes in MEK or laquer thinner should soften the caps up enought to make the useable. I do that to mine as required - 3-4 years.
Jim Hiatt

[SLIMDREDGER]

Jim: I use the lacquer thinner soak as well. I find it takes several hours to swell the rubber enough to help. ( My thinner must be a different mix than yours) I monitor the amount of swell and fit in the fuel tank neck during the soaking period, as it is possible to swell the rubber to the point it is difficult to fit in the neck.

Al Powers ICS 2978

[MULEFLY]

Phil -- call Matt.... I think he is familiar with the company that Webco purchases the caps from... I seem to recall that they are in the Naples, FL area.
Jim