I have been hearing this "zip-ties schafing through the engine mount" for years now. Please someone, put up some real pictures, than we can discuss about a real thing. I am not buying it till I have seen it!
You don't have to buy it - I'm not selling anything.
I don't make a habit of taking pictures of damaged parts on a customer's aircraft. You never know when someone in management is going to get upset about that, and I don't have my cellphone on my person when I'm working - it stays in the "personal" drawer of my toolbox. Maybe someone else can provide some photographic evidence.
Jarhead - then what would you use zipties for? I agree with the last poster - I've had zipties all over the engine mount of my last plane for nearly 20 years and never saw a scratch (other than on my arms). I agree using high temps, high quality is the way to go.
- Making wiring bundles.
- Making wire spacers for ignition harnesses.
- Securing the "snake skin" that Paul referenced. I prefer
Expando FR Plus.
For FWF apps, that's about it.
Thanks Tonny for stating this. I was getting ready to ask the same question. So much stuff on the Internet becomes fact without quantifying data. I'm sure it is a possibility but where is the evidence. Why aren't engines falling off planes in mass? Why aren't there daily posts of, "zip ties cause complete electrical failure in my plane?" Simple answer is that it isn't occurring.
Some have said Boeing doesn't use them, others have said they do. Some 737's may predate zip ties. Others have said companies use them because they are cheap and fast and they need to get the product out the door. Not really accurate.
Bottom line, they are safe. Use the right ones FWF and do wire and fuel line protection as you would do with any securing system. Do what makes you feel best, be it, lacing cord or zip ties.
Folks, the original poster asked for thoughts on the use of zipties in the engine compartment. I never said "Don't use them at all!", I said IN MY EXPERIENCE as an A&P mechanic, the use of zipties directly against engine mounts and hard lines is a bad idea, because over time they can damage the mount/line. I even provided an FAA reference. I've seen the damage numerous times, I've been the person who found the damage several times, and I've been the person who replaced the damaged parts several times.
Bottom line (well,
lines):
If you're an RV builder, and you want to use zipties on your engine mount, go ahead. You're the manufacturer, and it's your airplane and your money. But don't be surprised if your DAR or FSDO rep tells you to get the zipties off the engine mount when they inspect the airplane.
If you're an RV buyer, don't be surprised if your A&P tells you to get the zipties off the engine mount when he/she does the conditional inspection.
That's this A&P's opinion; it's worth every dime you paid for it.