Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Pretty sure thats not the proper terminology, but the "stem" that that oil dipstick screws into....which is attached to the block...thats what I'm talking about. Well, where the "stem" that sticks down in the block is loose. I can just pull it out with my hands. Its blowing oil out from this joint. What is the appropriate method to secure this stem to the block?

Mine was loose some time ago and some oil was blowing out, but I could not get it out, consulted a few A&P friends and they couldnt help.I finally cleaned it well and used some JB weld at the bottom it`s been fine since.

It screws in. Many of them are made of plastic. Sounds like you need a new one. They are supposed to be safetied so they can't get loose. The paper gasket at the base has been known to wear out and let the filler tube wobble. Enough wobbling and the tube will wear out the threads. I have modified mine to use an "O" ring there.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I thought they screwed in myself but this one is as smooth as a baby's behind on both the tube and the case. I'll try the o ring and see what happens.

Have you checked the block ? Any threads in there ? Something doesn't sound right. Should screw in with a gasket and have a safety wire hole in the base of the tube and a hole on the block to safety wire it all up. [;)] I guess you said it was smooth on the block. Still doesn't sound right. It would have to be "pressed in" if this is the case. What engine is it ?

RB

You have a 0-290 GPU? I think they are a pressed fit or someone glued it in and all you see is a smooth surface.

Yep, I have an 0-290 and its absolutely smooth...both block and stem. Theres no glue or any substance on either the block or stem. Both are completetly clean and smooth. Maybe I should just use some JB weld as descibed above.

Not sure your engine particulars, however this service bulletin discuss oil filler tube. It may shed some light on your problem.
http://www.lycoming.textron.com/support ... SB545A.pdf

http://www.lycoming.textron.com/support ... index.html

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Victor J Thompson
C-GIRQ
"In Memory Of Dad"

Thanks Victor. I may try and snap a picture of my setup tomorrow and post it to see what everyone thinks about it.

I would think a properly fitted tube may be in order (assuming it is a press fit), rather than "gluing in" the old loose one. If that is the case, there must be a way it is secured to the crank case...safety wire/clamp or ? Using an epoxy to secure the tube may at best be temporary (high heat/vibration area). There must be a manual describing the install for this tube. If the tube were to work loose in flight the loss of oil would be Muey Pronto ! [:0]

RB

Before I used JB weld on my 0290 I tried all the above, no threads ,not plastic ,no hole for safety wire.

Lance, mine is the same as yours. Slick everywhere, no safety wire attach point or anything. Rich, I agree with you, but even if I get a new one resulting in a much tighter fit/tolerance, I believe it would rattle loose again over time without something to hold it other than friction. I have the 0-290 conversion book and it shows threads!

Isn't that a pisser ! [:o)] Maybe a call to Lycoming to get the skinny on this tube ? Your's can't be the only one to have done this and what is the "real fix." [?] If you did epoxy it in, I would look for some way to bracket/clamp it to the block. Some sort of stand off with a clamp ?

RB