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Center Tunnel

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Albert Gardner

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 455
Location: Yuma, AZ

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:35 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

After reading about the explosion/fire in the RV-10 possibly due to a fuel leak in the tunnel I took a look at mine just to check since it has been awhile since the annual inspection. No leaks but I still don't like the spillage associated with opening the filter for inspection/cleaning. One thing I changed was the routing of the brake lines. Page 36-3 routes the lines almost against the floor making cleanup difficult. I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.  

   

Now I'm looking at the idea of accessing the filter through the bottom of the tunnel so that no fuel is spilled inside cleaning the filter. Also, getting in the tunnel from the top is difficult as the rudder cables must be disconnected, seats removed, and carpet removed to get access to the tunnel cover.  

   

I'm thinking of installing a cup holder in the tunnel cover so that I could easily inspect the interior by pulling out the cup holder and shinning a flashlight in there without removing anything else.  

   

Albert Gardner  

N991RV  

Yume, AZ  

   

        [quote][b]

_________________
RV-9A N872RV
RV-10 N991RV

pitts_pilot(at)bellsouth.
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:49 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

You could remove the tunnel filter and put it under the front seat, and buy a second one for the other side.  Far more room to swing a wrench and get your hands on the filter.  Before I put the wings on, I'll seal the fuel lines at the root and draw a vacuum on the system to the firewall ..... Don't want any slow leaks.

 Linn

 do not archive.

 

 Albert Gardner wrote: [quote]                 <![endif]-->       <![endif]-->      

After reading about the explosion/fire in the RV-10 possibly due to a fuel leak in the tunnel I took a look at mine just to check since it has been awhile since the annual inspection. No leaks but I still don't like the spillage associated with opening the filter for inspection/cleaning. One thing I changed was the routing of the brake lines. Page 36-3 routes the lines almost against the floor making cleanup difficult. I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.   

    

Now I'm looking at the idea of accessing the filter through the bottom of the tunnel so that no fuel is spilled inside cleaning the filter. Also, getting in the tunnel from the top is difficult as the rudder cables must be disconnected, seats removed, and carpet removed to get access to the tunnel cover.   

    

I'm thinking of installing a cup holder in the tunnel cover so that I could easily inspect the interior by pulling out the cup holder and shinning a flashlight in there without removing anything else.   

    

Albert Gardner   

N991RV   

Yume, AZ   

    

    	  Quote: 	
		  



 href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List

 href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com

 href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/contribution



	
 [b]

Phil.Perry(at)netapp.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:53 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.  

   

I did the same thing on mine, but I’m not 100% committed to it yet.  I might turn them back correctly.  

   

My bigger concern were the brake lines rubbing on the shop-head-side of the rivets that are directly below the lines.  With the cushion clamps held in their “correct” position, the brake lines aren’t more than 1/32 - 1/16” off those shop heads and I didn’t want the rivets working my brake lines.  (BTW – I’m using Bonaco lines all the way through the tunnel.)  

   

I’d like the clamps to be oriented correctly, but I don’t like the possibility of the rivets working on those lines.  I’ve been trying to come up with a rub-barrier that I can insert between the rivets and the lines, but I haven’t come up with anything yet.  So I might end up flipping the clamps over too, but with flex lines, I’d really need to be careful that they don’t eventually rotate down a few degrees pushing the flex lines back down on the rivets (again).  J  

   

There has to be a barrier we could put in there to keep the lines off the rivet tails.  

   

Phil  

   

   

     

   

  

       

From: Albert Gardner [mailto:ibspud(at)roadrunner.com] 

 Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 9:32 AM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Center Tunnel  

  

  

   

After reading about the explosion/fire in the RV-10 possibly due to a fuel leak in the tunnel I took a look at mine just to check since it has been awhile since the annual inspection. No leaks but I still don't like the spillage associated with opening the filter for inspection/cleaning. One thing I changed was the routing of the brake lines. Page 36-3 routes the lines almost against the floor making cleanup difficult. I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.  

   

Now I'm looking at the idea of accessing the filter through the bottom of the tunnel so that no fuel is spilled inside cleaning the filter. Also, getting in the tunnel from the top is difficult as the rudder cables must be disconnected, seats removed, and carpet removed to get access to the tunnel cover.  

   

I'm thinking of installing a cup holder in the tunnel cover so that I could easily inspect the interior by pulling out the cup holder and shinning a flashlight in there without removing anything else.  

   

Albert Gardner  

N991RV  

Yume, AZ  

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      [quote][b]

Kellym

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1705
Location: Sun Lakes AZ

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:24 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

Side access panel makes it easier.  Bob Leffler has a picture of it on 

his site. I'm not finding the web link for ordering the kit right now. 

Seems like Air Ward was the vendor, but paperwork is at the hangar.

On 6/14/2010 7:32 AM, Albert Gardner wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 After reading about the explosion/fire in the RV-10 possibly due to a 

 fuel leak in the tunnel I took a look at mine just to check since it 

 has been awhile since the annual inspection. No leaks but I still 

 don't like the spillage associated with opening the filter for 

 inspection/cleaning. One thing I changed was the routing of the brake 

 lines. Page 36-3 routes the lines almost against the floor making 

 cleanup difficult. I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so 

 that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.



 Now I'm looking at the idea of accessing the filter through the bottom 

 of the tunnel so that no fuel is spilled inside cleaning the filter. 

 Also, getting in the tunnel from the top is difficult as the rudder 

 cables must be disconnected, seats removed, and carpet removed to get 

 access to the tunnel cover.



 I'm thinking of installing a cup holder in the tunnel cover so that I 

 could easily inspect the interior by pulling out the cup holder and 

 shinning a flashlight in there without removing anything else.



 Albert Gardner



 N991RV



 Yume, AZ



 *

 *

_________________
Kelly McMullen
A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor # 5286
KCHD

Albert Gardner

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 455
Location: Yuma, AZ

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:38 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

I had the same concern about the close proximity of the rivets and the brake line so I slid rubber tubing over the lines in the area between the cushion clamps. I   

suppose that also made it a little harder to clean up under the brake lines though.  

Albert Gardner  

N991RV  

Yuma, AZ  

       

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Perry, Phil

 Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 7:53 AM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: Center Tunnel  

  

  

I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.  

I did the same thing on mine, but I’m not 100% committed to it yet.  I might turn them back correctly.  

My bigger concern were the brake lines rubbing on the shop-head-side of the rivets that are directly below the lines.  With the cushion clamps held in their “correct” position, the brake lines aren’t more than 1/32 - 1/16” off those shop heads and I didn’t want the rivets working my brake lines.  (BTW – I’m using Bonaco lines all the way through the tunnel.)  

I’d like the clamps to be oriented correctly, but I don’t like the possibility of the rivets working on those lines.  I’ve been trying to come up with a rub-barrier that I can insert between the rivets and the lines, but I haven’t come up with anything yet.  So I might end up flipping the clamps over too, but with flex lines, I’d really need to be careful that they don’t eventually rotate down a few degrees pushing the flex lines back down on the rivets (again).  J  

There has to be a barrier we could put in there to keep the lines off the rivet tails.  

Phil  

   

        [quote][b]

_________________
RV-9A N872RV
RV-10 N991RV

jesse(at)saintaviation.co
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:38 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

This is a great way to do it, but don't forget that you will need to drain your fuel tanks before cleaning the filters.

 Jesse Saint

Saint Aviation, Inc.

jesse(at)saintaviation.com (jesse(at)saintaviation.com)

Cell: 352-427-0285

Fax: 815-377-3694

 

 

On Jun 14, 2010, at 10:42 AM, Linn Walters wrote:

[quote]  You could remove the tunnel filter and put it under the front seat, and buy a second one for the other side.  Far more room to swing a wrench and get your hands on the filter.  Before I put the wings on, I'll seal the fuel lines at the root and draw a vacuum on the system to the firewall ..... Don't want any slow leaks.

 Linn

 do not archive.

 

 Albert Gardner wrote:  	  Quote: 	
		                   <![endif]-->       <![endif]-->   

After reading about the explosion/fire in the RV-10 possibly due to a fuel leak in the tunnel I took a look at mine just to check since it has been awhile since the annual inspection. No leaks but I still don't like the spillage associated with opening the filter for inspection/cleaning. One thing I changed was the routing of the brake lines. Page 36-3 routes the lines almost against the floor making cleanup difficult. I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier.

 

Now I'm looking at the idea of accessing the filter through the bottom of the tunnel so that no fuel is spilled inside cleaning the filter. Also, getting in the tunnel from the top is difficult as the rudder cables must be disconnected, seats removed, and carpet removed to get access to the tunnel cover.

 

I'm thinking of installing a cup holder in the tunnel cover so that I could easily inspect the interior by pulling out the cup holder and shinning a flashlight in there without removing anything else.

 

Albert Gardner

N991RV

Yume, AZ

    

    	  Quote: 	
		  



 href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List

 href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com

 href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/contribution



	
 

	


[b]

AV8ORJWC

Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 1149
Location: Aurora, Oregon "Home of VANS"

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:44 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

A great rule of thumb is a minimum of 0.125" from any surface (we often try for 0.375") which could otherwise chafe lines during the airframe's life.  During the Conditional, it's the guy inspecting that must (should) look for new chafes, dents and damage before the hydro-carbons find a new path to freedom. The Adels help the inspector get under there with an inspection mirror.  Dan Checkoway had excellent examples of where even the best of his plans and well intentioned construction could overlook those contact points.  Adel clamps - MS21919DWG are a solid means to build in such protection.  They can be a bitch but those Aircraft Spruce Pliers seem nifty. There are aluminum spacers (in various heights) that allow for stacking of Adels or for staggering.  Always try to route wiring above and 6" away from hydro-carbon lines.  Paul Grimstad had some nifty foam adhesive pads that electricians use that could help.

  

 Although the AC 43.13 is boring, it can serve as a good clarifying reference.

  

 I won't speak for VANs but I doubt they would say "Forgetaboutit... just build it".  Oh, that's right.  KS has said that before.

  



  John Cox



 

  From: Perry, Phil

Sent: Mon 6/14/2010 7:53 AM

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: RE: Center Tunnel

   

I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier. 

  

I did the same thing on mine, but I’m not 100% committed to it yet.  I might turn them back correctly. 

  

My bigger concern were the brake lines rubbing on the shop-head-side of the rivets that are directly below the lines.  With the cushion clamps held in their “correct” position, the brake lines aren’t more than 1/32 - 1/16” off those shop heads and I didn’t want the rivets working my brake lines.  (BTW – I’m using Bonaco lines all the way through the tunnel.) 

  

I’d like the clamps to be oriented correctly, but I don’t like the possibility of the rivets working on those lines.  I’ve been trying to come up with a rub-barrier that I can insert between the rivets and the lines, but I haven’t come up with anything yet.  So I might end up flipping the clamps over too, but with flex lines, I’d really need to be careful that they don’t eventually rotate down a few degrees pushing the flex lines back down on the rivets (again).  J 

  

There has to be a barrier we could put in there to keep the lines off the rivet tails. 

  

Phil 

  

  

   



 

    

From: Albert Gardner [mailto:ibspud(at)roadrunner.com] 

Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 9:32 AM

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Center Tunnel



 

  

After reading about the explosion/fire in the RV-10 possibly due to a fuel leak in the tunnel I took a look at mine just to check since it has been awhile since the annual inspection. No leaks but I still don't like the spillage associated with opening the filter for inspection/cleaning. One thing I changed was the routing of the brake lines. Page 36-3 routes the lines almost against the floor making cleanup difficult. I changed the orientation of the cushion clamps so that the brake line is held up off the floor and cleanup is much easier. 

  

Now I'm looking at the idea of accessing the filter through the bottom of the tunnel so that no fuel is spilled inside cleaning the filter. Also, getting in the tunnel from the top is difficult as the rudder cables must be disconnected, seats removed, and carpet removed to get access to the tunnel cover. 

  

I'm thinking of installing a cup holder in the tunnel cover so that I could easily inspect the interior by pulling out the cup holder and shinning a flashlight in there without removing anything else. 

  

Albert Gardner 

N991RV 

Yume, AZ 

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  [quote][b]

Kelly McMullen

Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 1188
Location: Sun Lakes AZ

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 11:09 am Post subject: Center Tunnel

To follow up: http://www.airward.com or http://tinyurl.com/2eetgbe for

the exact page.



On Mon, Jun 14, 2010 at 8:21 AM, Kelly McMullen <kellym(at)aviating.com> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Side access panel makes it easier.  Bob Leffler has a picture of it on his

 site. I'm not finding the web link for ordering the kit right now. Seems

 like Air Ward was the vendor, but paperwork is at the hangar.

_________________
Kelly McMullen
A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor
KCHD

Deems Davis

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 925

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:51 pm Post subject: Center Tunnel

FWIW

 I fabricated and installed the side tunnel access door for servicing the fuel pump/filter.  http://deemsrv10.com/album/Sec%20The%20Home%20Stretch/slides/DSC05413.html  I don't think I'd do it again if I had to. The reason, is that there's so much stuff in the tunnel that you want to check and inspect during the condition inspection, that really requires you to take the tunnel cover off. I haven't had the need/opportunity to get inside for anything else, and it was a fair amount of work to fabricate and install. In my case it requires removing the center console that sits on top of the tunnel, and I still think its better to remove the tunnel cover. I DID split the forward tunnel cover into 2 pieces,  http://deemsrv10.com/album/Control%20Approach%20Rudder-Brake%20Pedals/slides/DSC06591.html  and I WOULD definitely do that again.

 I removed and cleaned my fuel filter during the last ACI and with the andair fuel selector turned OFF and some paper towels placed under the fittings. I didn't have any leakage into the bottom of the tunnel. YMMV

 

 Deems Davis

 N519PJ

 www.deemsrv10.com

 

 On 6/14/2010 12:08 PM, Kelly McMullen wrote: [quote]    	  Quote: 	
		  --> RV10-List message posted by: Kelly McMullen <apilot2(at)gmail.com> (apilot2(at)gmail.com)



To follow up: http://www.airward.com or http://tinyurl.com/2eetgbe for

the exact page.



On Mon, Jun 14, 2010 at 8:21 AM, Kelly McMullen <kellym(at)aviating.com> (kellym(at)aviating.com) wrote:

        	  Quote: 	
		  --> RV10-List message posted by: Kelly McMullen <kellym(at)aviating.com> (kellym(at)aviating.com)



Side access panel makes it easier.  Bob Leffler has a picture of it on his

site. I'm not finding the web link for ordering the kit right now. Seems

like Air Ward was the vendor, but paperwork is at the hangar.

    	
   

  	
 [b]

rnewman(at)tcwtech.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:47 pm Post subject: Center Tunnel

Although not flying yet,   here's my  tunnel access that I made.    I changed from carburated to fuel  injected so I had to change my fuel pump.   I went to the andair pump  and decided to move the filtering out to each wing root via an andair  gascolator.   So I have no filter to be changed in the  tunnel,   my access panel is intended for inspection purposes and  possible pump servicing if necessary.   Like Deems I have a center  console that I really don't want to have to remove to get to the tunnel, so I'm  hoping to carry out inspections via this panel, perhaps with the aid of  borescope type video camera.

  

 Bob Newman,

 www.tcwtech.com

 40176.

  

  http://picasaweb.google.com/rcnewman64/FuelPumpAndAccessDoor#

   [quote][b]

Strasnuts

Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 502
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: Center Tunnel

Here is my AndAir install.

tunnel1.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

134.85 KB

Viewed:

5262 Time(s)

tunnel.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

110.52 KB

Viewed:

5262 Time(s)

_________________
40936
RV-10 SB N801VR Flying
780 Hours
SuperSTOL 60 hours

Strasnuts

Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 502
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: Center Tunnel

Here is my AndAir install.

tunnel1.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

134.85 KB

Viewed:

5261 Time(s)

tunnel.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

110.52 KB

Viewed:

5261 Time(s)

_________________
40936
RV-10 SB N801VR Flying
780 Hours
SuperSTOL 60 hours

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