My friend and I recently purchased new Aerocet floats for our planes. He has a C170 with 2200's and I have a C180 with 3500L's. Question is, should we remove the hatch covers for drying out the compartments over the winter if we suspect there is water in them? They were pumped out, but one or two have a slight gurgling sound. One of them probably because an aft hatch was not screwed down tight enough during assembly, but it is now.... An A&P mentioned some nasty growth can occur if water is left in the compartments. Seems plausible.
The planes are hangared in Northern Minnesota, the pump out plugs have been removed and the hangar temperature is maintained at 50F during the Winter. Approximate humidity range in the hangar is 20% to 30% so far this year. I think the pump out hose diameter is too small for allowing much evaporation during the Winter months.
My biggest concern is enlarging the screw holes by removing the hatches annually.
I did consider adding some RV antifreeze and or hydrogen peroxide, then pump the solution out, leaving only a small amount behind for inhibiting any nasty growth. Plus, I think the 50F temperature is probably low enough for limited mold or alga growth during the Winter.
I welcome your opinions. Thanks.
The planes are hangared in Northern Minnesota, the pump out plugs have been removed and the hangar temperature is maintained at 50F during the Winter. Approximate humidity range in the hangar is 20% to 30% so far this year. I think the pump out hose diameter is too small for allowing much evaporation during the Winter months.
My biggest concern is enlarging the screw holes by removing the hatches annually.
I did consider adding some RV antifreeze and or hydrogen peroxide, then pump the solution out, leaving only a small amount behind for inhibiting any nasty growth. Plus, I think the 50F temperature is probably low enough for limited mold or alga growth during the Winter.
I welcome your opinions. Thanks.