Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I have a Andair 375 gascolator it is quality built in England. One issue every time I remove the bowl the o ring splits. Not a big deal except aircraft spruce is now charging $15.00 each (up from $7.50. Checked on the web, Andair is selling them for about $4.50 if you order on line. The more you buy the better the price (shipping is about $20.00 if you by 1 or 20) I bought 10 for $4.48ea including shipping.

Phil
118BC

Good to know. I intend to put one in the racer whenever I get back to that bird.
Cubes

Phil...have you contacted the Andair folks to see why this happens ? R U using auto fuel ?

RB

When O-rings crack like that it is very often a lack of lubrication that is the cause. A little lube on the ring may, or may not, be recommended by Andair. You should also be able to get an equivalent O-ring for a fraction of what you paid. Spruce's price is ridiculous. $20 for shipping is ridiculous. Get the exact dimensions and the elastomer type - it is most likely Buna-N. Rocket Seals (http://www.rocketseals.com) is our local go-to place for me.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

I have never used an Andair gascolater but I have used a similar one mfg bySteves Aircraft in Oregon and it is not only a work of art, very rugged, sealed by a cheap 0 ring, retained by two cotter pins, it is STC ed for just about every light plane ever built. Google "Steves Aircraft" and you can see them.
Steve Hawley

It will not be Buna if used with fuel. Most likely Viton
Cubes

Buna N is fine with avgas and has been used successfully with mogas also, but there is some possible swelling if the alcohol content is high enough. It has good compatibility with hydrocarbons. Viton is more expensive and has a higher temperature rating, as well as compatibility with a few more chemicals than Buna. If using avgas, Buna N is readily available and should be just fine.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

The answers to some of the questions, I do not use auto fuel at all, I do use Parker "O Lube" when re installing the bowl, the fit is so tight when removing the bowl, that when re installing It, the o ring gets damaged. It seems that this is a odd size o ring that few have been able to find a exact replacement for, I was looking on Van's website where others were having the same issues (damage & price) and I did not want to take a chance messing around with fuel leaks or fire due to fuel leaks. I can live with the $20.00 in shipping as the replacement manufactures parts are coming from England, FedEx. I know Steve Panconin from Steve's Aircraft he builds a very good Gascolator out of solid billet. He thought the Piper wire bail unit was just not acceptable. My Thorp came with the Andair and is also quality, the only issue I have is with re assembly and the O ring. I very well may change to one of Steve's because I think it a better unit and I would like to have a remote drain, but I am just being stubborn not wanting a O ring to get the better of me

Thanks for reply's
Phil
118BC

FWIW I had been using a silicone grease on my Usher gas collector for years and when I had to pull the cup off to inspect/replace the filter screen it was a bear to get the cup off ! The last 2 annuals I have been using a silicone spray and the cup is much easier to put on and take off with no damage to the o-ring . BING , BANG , BOOM !

RB

RB
Thanks for the tip, I try that next time, It really takes some effort to get the bowl off using the Parker o ring lube.

Phil
118BC

Received the o rings on Friday via FedEx. Really not bad shipping time. They were a little pricy, but I figured if I bought 3 at the AC spruce price got 7 more for free

Phil
118BC

That's a good trick RB!

I do the best that I can , no matter how bad it is !

RB