Copyright (c) 2017 STAY-SEALED, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Raised Metal Covers
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1. How does the Stay-Sealed Fuel Cap Cover work?
The patented Stay-Sealed cover is specifically designed to fit over the existing factory cap
and when pressed down firmly into place, is secured by a locking ring which is molded into
the cover. The fuel cap cover is fitted with a soft nitrile rubber seal on the outer perimeter
that seals onto the wing skin preventing any water from coming within 1" of the filler port.
The Stay-Sealed cover has been wind tested to 80 MPH.
*See Hurricane Fay Test Results click here
2. Do you need any tools to install or remove the cover?
Absolutely no tools are needed.
3. Where does water contamination in the fuel tank come from?
- Condensation *See Facts Concerning Condensation click here
- Fuel contamination
- Outside sources such as rain and snow
When the fuel tanks are sumped before each flight, the small drops collected in the tester
are condensation. The Stay-Sealed cover cannot prevent condensation. Fuel
contamination may result from small traces of water mixed with fuel.
However, outside sources such as rain or snow, can collect a significant amount of water,
(possibly ounces) in a fuel tank and cause serious engine damage as well as engine failure.
* Note: See FAA STATS click here
4. Due to hangar shortage, my airplane is tied-down outside. How long can I expect
the cover to last when exposed to extreme temperatures?
The Stay-Sealed cover was tested by a solar light lab which performed a 5 year accelerated
UV test. Results showed no signs of deterioration to the plastic cover or the rubber seal.
5. Why does water get into my PA-28-180 fuel tank?
Due to the design of the filler port, water collects around the fuel cap. As the aircraft
ages, the steel filler port begins to rust and corrode which allows water to seep in around
the cap. Deteriorated or improper fuel cap seals are the primary reasons for water intrusion.
*See NTSB Sample Report #10 click here
6. Do the Stay-Sealed covers require any special paperwork to be filed with the FAA?
No special paperwork is required. The covers are for ground use only similar to a pitot tube
cover.
7. How much does a set of Stay-Sealed Fuel Cap Covers cost?
For less than $100 you can purchase a set of covers. This can save you thousands of
dollars in repairs to carburetors that can become corroded with water, fuel pumps that rust
and fail, fuel bowls that corrode on the bottom and need to be replaced, or fuel injection
units that become corroded from water entering into the unit.
*See NTSB Sample Report #5 click here
Hurricane Fay: A good test for Stay-Sealed.
The Stay-Sealed cover was tested during Hurricane Fay, a cover was installed on a test piper fuel tank. The tank was strapped down to the ground with hurricane straps and exposed to heavy rains and 45-50 MPH winds. Through 5 days of wind and rain, NO water was found in the tank after the storm passed.
August 2008, in Lakeland, FL
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Facts concerning condensation
The DOT requires a daily log be kept to document the amount of water sumped from the airport's fuel tanks. Weather conditions such as cloudy, rainy or sunny are recorded as well as temperatures. This data was collected at a central Florida airport:
A 12, 500 gallon steel fuel tank produces on average through the summer, less than a teaspoon of water each day. Aircraft fuel tanks at 20-30 gallons in the same conditions produce two to four drops. If a pilot sumps several ounces, this is not from condensation!
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Location: Central FL Airport
Temperature: mid 90's
Humidity: 80%
Weather conditions: Sunny
8. Where can I purchase a Stay-Sealed fuel cap cover? Can I buy it directly from the
website?
Yes, you can purchase the covers from the website. You can also purchase the covers
through Aircraft Spruce .