JackinMichigan
Well Known Member
I have the EI FT60 'Red Cube' flow transducer mounted in the center tunnel up near the firewall, just forward of the electric boost pump. It's the most inaccessible component on that entire airplane, and I neglected to install an access panel when I had the chance.
It failed after only 20 hours. I spent nearly 3 weeks taking everything apart to get at it and replace it, and the new one functioned just fine after several tests. That is, until I got the entire airplane put back together and had it out on the tarmac for engine startup. That's when the new transducer failed, with essentially zero hours on it. I had to walk away before I took a crowbar to that **** airplane.
This transducer is not in a high heat area (125 degrees F has been the max tunnel temp so far) and vibrations aren't excessive. Does anyone know what would cause these things to fail so quickly? I consider the flow sensor as a mission critical piece of equipment - the plane won't fly if it's not working.
P.S. - Do yourself a huge favor and install an access panel in the tunnel everywhere you have a critical piece of equipment. You will thank yourself later.
It failed after only 20 hours. I spent nearly 3 weeks taking everything apart to get at it and replace it, and the new one functioned just fine after several tests. That is, until I got the entire airplane put back together and had it out on the tarmac for engine startup. That's when the new transducer failed, with essentially zero hours on it. I had to walk away before I took a crowbar to that **** airplane.
This transducer is not in a high heat area (125 degrees F has been the max tunnel temp so far) and vibrations aren't excessive. Does anyone know what would cause these things to fail so quickly? I consider the flow sensor as a mission critical piece of equipment - the plane won't fly if it's not working.
P.S. - Do yourself a huge favor and install an access panel in the tunnel everywhere you have a critical piece of equipment. You will thank yourself later.