---------------------------------------------------------- RV-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 11/18/11: 8 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:44 AM - Canopy leaks (Vince Frazier) 2. 07:06 AM - Re: Canopy leaks (Bob) 3. 07:35 AM - Re: canopy leaks (David Cudney) 4. 08:16 AM - Re: Canopy leaks (Dale Ensing) 5. 08:47 AM - Re: Canopy leaks (Tracy) 6. 09:31 AM - Re: Canopy leaks (Bob) 7. 10:51 AM - Re: Canopy leaks (Dan Bergeron) 8. 11:38 AM - Re: Eating Alternators... (Eric Whiteside) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:44:36 AM PST US Subject: RV-List: Canopy leaks From: Vince Frazier A simple, cheap, and surefire way to keep water out is to simply carry a roll of decent quality electrical tape. If it looks like rain, simply place a piece of tape over the canopy joints and fuel caps. Electrical tape will peel off cleanly and doesn't adhere aggressively enough to lift paint. Unless your paint is crappy anyway. Another benefit is that you won't have a canopy cover taking up space when stored, nor will the tape cause any wear like a flapping, dirty canopy cover can. Thanks, Vince Frazier Flyboy Accessories 3963 Caborn Road North Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-464-1839 1-888-8FLYBOY 1-888-835-9269 www.flyboyaccessories.com > > This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about taking my > newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be parked on a ramp for a > few days. I did not get a canopy cover with the plane and was wondering if > the -8's take in water when it rains? Also does anyone use the Light travel > canopy cover that Vans sells and does it keep out the rain? > > Thanks, > Matt ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 07:06:52 AM PST US From: Bob Subject: Re: RV-List: Canopy leaks Years ago on my RV6, I used pieces of static cling sun shade cut into squares, rectangles and strips to seal the leading edge of the tip up canopy, cover the fuel caps and the NACA air vents on the side of the fuselage. As long is the surface is dry when applied, the pieces stayed on. I remember putting a piece across the gap between the hood and fender on my Explorer and driving down a gravel road at 50 mph. The piece stayed on. Even after buying a canopy cover, I still used the sun shade pieces over the gas caps and vents and never had any of the pieces come off. Bob Skinner-former RV6 builder and owner 1995-2000 >> This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about taking my >> newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be parked on a ramp for a >> few days. I did not get a canopy cover with the plane and was wondering if >> the -8's take in water when it rains? Also does anyone use the Light travel >> canopy cover that Vans sells and does it keep out the rain? >> >> Thanks, >> Matt > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:35:34 AM PST US From: David Cudney Subject: Re: RV-List: canopy leaks I've used the light weight Van's cover on my RV fro the last three years with no problem it is compact and easy to use and has kept things dry. dave RV 7A On Nov 17, 2011, at 11:04 AM, Matt Tucciarone wrote: > > > > This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about > taking my newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be > parked on a ramp for a few days. I did not get a canopy cover with > the plane and was wondering if the -8's take in water when it rains? > Also does anyone use the Light travel canopy cover that Vans sells > and does it keep out the rain? > > Thanks, > Matt > > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:16:09 AM PST US Subject: Re: RV-List: Canopy leaks From: Dale Ensing Where did you purchase the static cling sheets? Sent from my iPad On Nov 18, 2011, at 10:03 AM, Bob wrote: > > Years ago on my RV6, I used pieces of static cling sun shade cut into squares, rectangles and strips to seal the leading edge of the tip up canopy, cover the fuel caps and the NACA air vents on the side of the fuselage. As long is the surface is dry when applied, the pieces stayed on. I remember putting a piece across the gap between the hood and fender on my Explorer and driving down a gravel road at 50 mph. The piece stayed on. Even after buying a canopy cover, I still used the sun shade pieces over the gas caps and vents and never had any of the pieces come off. > > Bob Skinner-former RV6 builder and owner 1995-2000 > >>> This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about taking my >>> newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be parked on a ramp for a >>> few days. I did not get a canopy cover with the plane and was wondering if >>> the -8's take in water when it rains? Also does anyone use the Light travel >>> canopy cover that Vans sells and does it keep out the rain? >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Matt >> >> >> >> > > > > ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 08:47:24 AM PST US Subject: Re: RV-List: Canopy leaks From: Tracy My RV-8 was parked 40 feet in front of those 3 Pietenpols That were rolled u p in a ball during the torrential rain and tornado at Sun & Fun this year. Even without a cover the cockpit and fwd baggage area was bone dry afterwar ds. My -4 cockpit gets drenched in a light rain without a cover though. Tracy Crook On Nov 18, 2011, at 9:41 AM, Vince Frazier wrote: > > A simple, cheap, and surefire way to keep water out is to simply carry > a roll of decent quality electrical tape. If it looks like rain, > simply place a piece of tape over the canopy joints and fuel caps. > > Electrical tape will peel off cleanly and doesn't adhere aggressively > enough to lift paint. Unless your paint is crappy anyway. > > Another benefit is that you won't have a canopy cover taking up space > when stored, nor will the tape cause any wear like a flapping, dirty > canopy cover can. > > Thanks, > > Vince Frazier > Flyboy Accessories > 3963 Caborn Road North > Mount Vernon, IN 47620 > 812-464-1839 > 1-888-8FLYBOY > 1-888-835-9269 > www.flyboyaccessories.com > >> >> This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about taking m y >> newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be parked on a ramp for a >> few days. I did not get a canopy cover with the plane and was wondering i f >> the -8's take in water when it rains? Also does anyone use the Light trav el >> canopy cover that Vans sells and does it keep out the rain? >> >> Thanks, >> Matt > ========================== ========= ========================== ========= ========================== ========= ========================== ========= ========================== ========= > > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 09:31:35 AM PST US From: Bob Subject: Re: RV-List: Canopy leaks At Walmart if I remember correctly. I used the same stuff on the top of my canopy to keep my bald head from getting burned & it worked well. Bob Skinner On 11/18/2011 9:12 AM, Dale Ensing wrote: > --> RV-List message posted by: Dale Ensing > > Where did you purchase the static cling sheets? > > Sent from my iPad > > On Nov 18, 2011, at 10:03 AM, Bob wrote: > >> --> RV-List message posted by: Bob >> >> Years ago on my RV6, I used pieces of static cling sun shade cut into squares, rectangles and strips to seal the leading edge of the tip up canopy, cover the fuel caps and the NACA air vents on the side of the fuselage. As long is the surface is dry when applied, the pieces stayed on. I remember putting a piece across the gap between the hood and fender on my Explorer and driving down a gravel road at 50 mph. The piece stayed on. Even after buying a canopy cover, I still used the sun shade pieces over the gas caps and vents and never had any of the pieces come off. >> >> Bob Skinner-former RV6 builder and owner 1995-2000 >> >>>> This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about taking my >>>> newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be parked on a ramp for a >>>> few days. I did not get a canopy cover with the plane and was wondering if >>>> the -8's take in water when it rains? Also does anyone use the Light travel >>>> canopy cover that Vans sells and does it keep out the rain? >>>> >>>> Thanks, >>>> Matt >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 10:51:43 AM PST US Subject: Re: RV-List: Canopy leaks From: Dan Bergeron Matt: I've been flying my RV-7A for two years and two months since first flight on Aug 6, 2009. At home it sleeps in a hangar but on overnight cross countries it gets tied down on the ramp, where we use Vans' lightweight canopy cover. I recall one occasion where there was heavy rain overnight; the cockpit and behind the panel remained bone dry with the cover in place. On another occasion however the cover was dislodged to one side in a windstorm; no rain on that occasion so no issue with water. I've since run extra lines from each edge of the canopy cover and tie them off at the landing gear/fuselage intersection. So far - so good. Dan Bergeron RV-7A - N307TB 273 hours since 8/6/11 On Fri, Nov 18, 2011 at 12:28 PM, Bob wrote: > > At Walmart if I remember correctly. I used the same stuff on the top of > my canopy to keep my bald head from getting burned & it worked well. > > Bob Skinner > > > On 11/18/2011 9:12 AM, Dale Ensing wrote: > >> --> RV-List message posted by: Dale Ensing >> >> Where did you purchase the static cling sheets? >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> On Nov 18, 2011, at 10:03 AM, Bob wrote: >> >> --> RV-List message posted by: Bob >>> >>> Years ago on my RV6, I used pieces of static cling sun shade cut into >>> squares, rectangles and strips to seal the leading edge of the tip up >>> canopy, cover the fuel caps and the NACA air vents on the side of the >>> fuselage. As long is the surface is dry when applied, the pieces stayed >>> on. I remember putting a piece across the gap between the hood and fender >>> on my Explorer and driving down a gravel road at 50 mph. The piece stayed >>> on. Even after buying a canopy cover, I still used the sun shade pieces >>> over the gas caps and vents and never had any of the pieces come off. >>> >>> Bob Skinner-former RV6 builder and owner 1995-2000 >>> >>> This my be a stupid question but here goes. I was thinking about taking >>>>> my >>>>> newly bought RV-8 on a trip where it will have to be parked on a ramp >>>>> for a >>>>> few days. I did not get a canopy cover with the plane and was >>>>> wondering if >>>>> the -8's take in water when it rains? Also does anyone use the Light >>>>> travel >>>>> canopy cover that Vans sells and does it keep out the rain? >>>>> >>>>> Thanks, >>>>> Matt >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 11:38:25 AM PST US From: "Eric Whiteside" Subject: RE: RV-List: Eating Alternators... Hi Ken, The volt meter indications may provide the more meaningful data in diagnosing your problem. A fully charged battery, by itself, can only produce a max of about 12.5 volts, and this will decline as loads increase and/or the battery discharges. With the alternator field switch OFF, you would expect to see roughly between 12.5 and 11.8 volts, depending on load and state of battery charge. With the engine turning at 1000 rpm or above, and alternator field switch ON, you say you are showing 14.5 volts. If this is the case, and it stays fairly constant as you switch loads (radios, lights, etc) on and off, the alternator/regulator would have to be functioning. If that is the case, your problem is most likely a bad connection or cable. As others have suggested, prime suspects would be the engine case to fuselage ground strap, or the alternator<->master contactor<->battery<->fuselage ground cables. Assuming your electrical system was trouble free prior to the recent problem, you might want to check for corrosion and secure mechanical fastening at all terminals (including terminal to wire crimps). Also check the alternator field switch and wiring. An intermittent connection or bad switch could cause the symptoms observed. Alternatively, you could have a failing device(radio, motor, pitot heater, etc) or intermittent short circuit to ground that is producing a fluctuating load. I may be overlooking something, or making a faulty assumption, so be sure to consider all suggestions offered by others. Lots of good help is also available on the AeroElectric List. Good luck, Eric Whiteside RV6 From: owner-rv-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Mike Kellems Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 9:51 PM Subject: Re: RV-List: Eating Alternators... Ken, I had almost the same thing happen on my RV3 ... I decided to rewire after the 2nd alternator (internal regulators) and in the process found the heavy wire from the alternator to the ammeter/ breaker had a "hot" spot in it that was brittle and barely joined by a few strands. The only thing holding it together was the "skin" . It tested good continuity but was in fact not letting the full amount of electricity through and would somehow burn the alternator up in short order. Replacing the wire fixed the problem and cured the bounce/jitter in the gauge. Might not be your issue but, wouldn't hurt to check. ...Mike DNA.... --- On Thu, 11/17/11, Ken Cantrell wrote: From: Ken Cantrell Subject: RV-List: Eating Alternators... Listers, I have put 1175 hours on my RV6 over the last 10 years and I=99m currently having serious alternator problems. I have Vans =9Csteam=9D engine gauges including an analog ammeter and voltage meter. While cruising at altitude about a month ago I noticed my ammeter start to =9Cquiver=9D a lot. After dancing back and forth from neg to positive, it finally went solid to the negative side. I figured I lost my alternator but wasn=99t too concerned. I turned off my strobes to save battery life and headed home. My battery had plenty of life for my radio and transponder. I removed my alternator, had it checked (it was dead) and bought a new one. After about 5 hours on the replacement, the same scenario occurred. I talked to others more knowledgeable than me (just about everyone) and elected to install another one just in case it was a bad alternator. You guessed it; same thing happened. BTW, before changing out the first alternator, I checked all electrical connections to see if I could find anything loose and could not. The only thing I found was the nut attaching the heavy gauge line from the positive battery to the master relay was snug but not tight. There was also a little residue on the master relay that looked like it may have =98arced=99 at some time. I sinched down the nut and hoped that was my problem. I am now on my 3rd alternator in a month. This time, I bought a =9CPlane Power=9D one from Vans. Yesterday, my ammeter started the boogie dance again. I shut off the alternator by turning off my field switch on my panel for a while and periodically turned it back on to charge the battery. But after it was on for a while, the ammeter started to quiver and dance as it has done before just before it failed. In all three cases, when the alternator is on, the battery is showing 14.5 volts. Also, all 3 alternators have internal voltage regulators. Any and all suggestions / advice is much appreciated. 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