Annuals are such fun

[[email protected]]

Got a call from the mechanic "fuel cap gaskets are worn, need
replacement" me: fine, replace gaskets
Another call from mech "uhh, no part number on the fuel caps, not
normal piper part, therefore no approved gasket can be found, have to
replace caps AND gaskets" me: OK, I guess no choice
another call from mech: "piper wants $250 each for new caps"
me: long silence uhhmm can you find used ones?
another call from mech: " found another source, only $180 each"
me: (sigh)

[Jay Honeck]

> Got a call from the mechanic "fuel cap gaskets are worn, need
> replacement" me: fine, replace gaskets
> Another call from mech "uhh, no part number on the fuel caps, not
> normal piper part, therefore no approved gasket can be found, have to
> replace caps AND gaskets" me: OK, I guess no choice
> another call from mech: "piper wants $250 each for new caps"
> me: long silence uhhmm can you find used ones?
> another call from mech: " found another source, only $180 each"
> me: (sigh)

That's total B.S. Those gaskets are easily available. (I'm assuming
you're a Cherokee-driver?)

You *are* a member of the Cherokee Pilots Association, aren't you? If so,
go to "Cherokee Chat" and inquire as to where you can obtain this gasket.

You'll get 20 answers in 10 minutes, and save yourself $350.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Mike Rapoport]

He said that the caps were not the correct caps.

Mike
MU-2


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:sC6Md.43643$EG1.27173@attbi_s53...
>> Got a call from the mechanic "fuel cap gaskets are worn, need
>> replacement" me: fine, replace gaskets
>> Another call from mech "uhh, no part number on the fuel caps, not
>> normal piper part, therefore no approved gasket can be found, have to
>> replace caps AND gaskets" me: OK, I guess no choice
>> another call from mech: "piper wants $250 each for new caps"
>> me: long silence uhhmm can you find used ones?
>> another call from mech: " found another source, only $180 each"
>> me: (sigh)
>
> That's total B.S. Those gaskets are easily available. (I'm assuming
> you're a Cherokee-driver?)
>
> You *are* a member of the Cherokee Pilots Association, aren't you? If
> so, go to "Cherokee Chat" and inquire as to where you can obtain this
> gasket.
>
> You'll get 20 answers in 10 minutes, and save yourself $350.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

[Aaron Coolidge]

Jay Honeck > wrote:
: That's total B.S. Those gaskets are easily available. (I'm assuming
: you're a Cherokee-driver?)

I think the Original Poster said that the gas caps themselves were not
original Piper parts and the mech. was requiring them to be replaced.
In the past, someone made locking gas caps for the Cherokee tanks, but they
are long out of business.
--
Aaron C.

[kage]

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Got a call from the mechanic "fuel cap gaskets are worn, need
> replacement" me: fine, replace gaskets
> Another call from mech "uhh, no part number on the fuel caps, not
> normal piper part, therefore no approved gasket can be found, have to
> replace caps AND gaskets" me: OK, I guess no choice
> another call from mech: "piper wants $250 each for new caps"
> me: long silence uhhmm can you find used ones?
> another call from mech: " found another source, only $180 each"
> me: (sigh)
>

You are extremely fortunate to have a mechanic that takes the time and
effort to find all the bogus alterations on your Piper. Especially on the
fuel system.

Subscribe to "Trade-a-Plane" and look for good deals, then count your
blessings and pull out your checkbook. Do it right!

Karl
No bucks, no Buck Rogers!

[Jim Rosinski]

wrote:

> me: long silence uhhmm can you find used ones?
> another call from mech: " found another source, only $180 each"
> me: (sigh)

One thing that can bring the price down is to go through T-A-P yourself
and find an alternate parts source rather than have your mechanic do
it. Can't really blame the mechanic--it's not their money they're
spending and usually they've got better things to do than make calls on
your behalf. I did this a few years ago when I needed a new carb air
box for my Skyhawk. Found one in new condition from Wentworth for
"only" $500, but since brand new ones were over a grand, I was a happy
camper.

Jim Rosinski

[[email protected]]

Aaron Coolidge wrote:

> In the past, someone made locking gas caps for the Cherokee tanks,
but they
> are long out of business.

I don't recall an STC or PMA for Cherokee locking gas caps, but Piper
did and currently does sell these. Probably not very many though.
Last time I checked they were better than $700 each.

I always thought these caps would be a great opportunity for a 3rd
party PMA or STC. Lots of owners seem to want them, but no one in
their right mind is going to pony up $1,400+ for a set of locking gas
caps.

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[Jay Honeck]

> He said that the caps were not the correct caps.

Whoops -- I missed that.

Carry on...

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[RST Engineering]

21.303.b.2

Get the old fuel cap gasket. Get some cork gasket material. Get a sharp
knife. Cut a new gasket. $5 at the OUTSIDE. Owner produced part. End of
story.

Jim

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Got a call from the mechanic "fuel cap gaskets are worn, need
> replacement" me: fine, replace gaskets
> Another call from mech "uhh, no part number on the fuel caps, not
> normal piper part, therefore no approved gasket can be found, have to
> replace caps AND gaskets" me: OK, I guess no choice
> another call from mech: "piper wants $250 each for new caps"
> me: long silence uhhmm can you find used ones?
> another call from mech: " found another source, only $180 each"
> me: (sigh)
>