FAQ

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Please refer here to the table in the Eligible Aircraft section.

No. The Gap Seals have teflon on the surface contacting the Ailerons, so that friction does not exist.

Out of 40 Gallons total, 40 Gallons are useable.

The fuel in the Tip Tanks is pumped into the Main Tanks. A switch is installed in the instrument panel to enable the transfer pumps. Insure you burn sufficient fuel from the Main tanks prior to activating the transfer pump. If the Main tank is pumped past full, excess fuel will be vented overboard.

Yes we do. There are three approaches you can take depending on the severity of the degradation of the sight strips. The degradation occurs due to the natural UV exposure of the resin to the sun’s rays. On the rest of your tip tank, the paint protects the resin from the sun’s UV rays, but the sight strips are left clear to provide visibility of the fuel level. If the degradation becomes severe enough, some of the glass fibers may start to show at the surface of the resin in the sight strip area.

First, for minor degradation where the sight strip is cloudy, but there is no exposure of the underlying fibers through the resin, we carry a product called Armor-Dillo TS-1 that works well. Armor-Dillo TS-1 is silicone free, paint shop friendly, and will restore the original gloss and visibility of the sight strip. One application should last 3-6 months with no greasy or slippery residue. Apply TS-1 the sight strip area and wipe off excess with a wet towel. Do not allow TS-1 to dry on painted surfaces, remove immediately with damp cloth if contact occurs. TS-1 packaging includes the following cautions:
CAUTION: Flammable!
Do not use around open flame! Possibility of spontaneous combustion exists with this product. Do not re-use container for future use. Disposal: Rinse rags with water and lay flat until dry. Us in well ventilates area. For external use only. First aid: Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. If swallowed: Call the poison control center, hospital, emergency room or physician immediately for instructions. Skin irritation: Wear rubber gloves and protective clothing while handing TS-1. Wash hands with soap and water after use.

Second, for more severe degradation where the glass fibers are showing through the resin, we recommend reapplying a quality resin to the exterior of the sight strip to seal the glass fibers and to make the sight strip clear again. Mask off the surrounding paint area and sand the affected area with 180 grit sand paper. Use a quality marine grade resin that has a medium thickness such as Evercoat Premium Marine Resin that will not sag off the vertical sight strip. Mix the catalyst and resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper mixing may result in a repair that does not completely dry hard (remains sticky) or one that does not flow out properly. Apply in a thin, uniform layer until all the fibers are covered. Reapply if needed after roughing the surface again with the 180 grit sand paper. This repair will give several years of useful service as marine grade resins have some UV protection built in.

Third, for a longer service life, after finishing the strip with the quality marine grade resin, or if fiber glass strands are not emerging from the surface of the sight strip, clear the surface of the sight strip with a quality automotive clear coat. The clear coat will protect the surface from the UV rays as well as smoothing the surface to make the sight strip translucent. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the clear coat, including any surface preparation (clean, wax and silicon free, and roughened with the proper grit paper) and mixing instructions for the two part catalyzed system you are using.

You may be wondering why D’Shannon doesn’t prepare the sight strip with clear coat in the first place. Our tip tanks are delivered primed and ready for the surface finish of your choice. Masking off the sight strip to preserve its use is a good practice when applying the paint finish to the tanks. In many cases the paint applied is single-stage with no clear coat applied. When you have your tanks painted, ask the finisher to apply a clear finish to the sight strip area to provide additional UV protection, even if the rest of the tank is finished with a single stage product.

Yes, and our sending units are mounted forward in the front of the tip tank to avoid magnetic interference.

Please refer here to the table in the Eligible Aircraft section.

No. The Gap Seals have teflon on the surface contacting the Ailerons, so that friction does not exist.