Fuel cap gasket question!

[SClow303]

I am finally preparing to fly my new to me 76 Super Cub. I taxied over to fuel it and noticed that caps are extremely difficult to get off and darn near impossible to get on. The gaskets are approx 1 3/8 ID and 2 1/4 OD with a thickness of 1/8 inch. When looking up gaskets I am finding some are 1/16 thick which sure seams like it would be better. It feels as if I am going to break the tabs off the top getting these back on. Can someone point me to the correct part number? These cannot be correct!

 

[stewartb]

Bend the tabs.

 

[CubCruiser]

You can wipe a bit of MMO on the gasket and they’ll move a lot easier.

 

[SClow303]

I spoke with the folks at Real Gaskets today and they sent me out a sheet of 1/16 material as well as a standard set of gaskets to try out. I am sure the ones in the plane are original. In fact they are so tight that the previous owner left the left cap gasket off. The things you find with a new airplane.

 

[bob turner]

Theoretically these are standard automotive parts. The problem comes when determining whether a sealed or vented cap is to be used.

Current production includes some Aeronca caps, both vented and sealed, for under $20 from Spruce, standard chrome auto caps at NAPA, j3 style Eaton caps from eBay, and those $80 caps you can get from Cub Crafters. Some seem to fit better than others.

Gaskets are almost trivial to make - I use an X-acto knife, and a small sanding drum.

We were having trouble with the Stearman oil cap - the guys got a $160 cap with a nice stainless dip stick. The gasket rotated inside the cap! - I replaced it with a good $16 cap from Spruce, drilled to fit the dipstick, and all is well.

Drilling spring steel is never fun.

 

[BC12D-4-85]

Ez-turn lube

 

[SClow303]

With the help of the folks from REAL Gaskets and some EZ turn they are working perfect now. The 1/8 inch thick gaskets made it way too tight. 1/16 inch works perfect with a nice snug fit.

 

[ross d]

Don’t ask me how I know but a 1980’s Mazda van gas cap fits perfectly.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Don’t ask me how I know but a 1980’s Mazda van gas cap fits perfectly.

The only thing cheaper than an airline pilot is a retired airline pilot. Come fly with us Ross, been some great air and spots.

 

[ross d]

Well Steve, you are aware that copper wire was invented by two pilots fighting over a penny, right? Will have to come join you. Maybe when BG gets back in the air we both will.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Well Steve, you are aware that copper wire was invented by two pilots fighting over a penny, right? Will have to come join you. Maybe when BG gets back in the air we both will.

Hopefully that is sooner than later. We might all have to go to Tulsa and get that final part ourselves. 8)

 

[Scooter7779h]

Dow Corning #4 works wonders on all rubber including making the gas cap gaskets smooth and gives life to the gasket material.