F & M oil filter adapter gasket failure

[lowNslow]

There is a link to the Installation Instructions on this page:
http://www.fm-enterprises.com/product.html

The only thing I could find were the "Instructions for Continued Airworthiness" which is just a couple of pages from the installation instructions and does not include torque values.

[170C]

I had my F&M oil filter adapter put on August of 2003 so I don't know if that is the older or newer version of that item. The instructions state that the adapter is to be torqued to 65 foot pounds. I have been lucky not to have any leak issues with the adapter, but on several occasions I have moved the adapter upon attempting to remove the old filter. I have to be careful not to move it. I have torqued it a couple of times. My minor issue with the adapter is they could have easily added a place to run the safety wire (for the filter) rather than having to put the safety wire into a nut on the oil sump. Otherwise I am quite happy with the installation. Unfortunately there are other areas on my O-300B that do leak such as several push rod tubes, but I guess that is so the tail wheel spring won't rust

[GAHorn]

While the ICAW does indeed state to "replace" the gaskets every 3 years or 300 hours.... the complete ICA later states:

"There are no mandatory replacement times for the parts described by this ICAW."

I read that to mean the 3 yr/300 hr comment is a suggestion and not mandatory. Additionally, I purchased my FM Adaptor prior to the applicability of this document.

I do believe the unit should be inspected at every oil change (in addition to checking for leaks at every pre-flight) and defective parts deserve attention, but I do not believe that because someone/somewhere suffered a failure of a gasket means every gasket in every installation is at risk. Nor do I believe FM can unequivocally require that all the installations must comply with an ICAW issued subsequently. If so they should indeed request an AD as bgold suggested.

All I was saying was that I've suffered no indications of incipient failure and will keep an eye on mine. Thanks, bgold, for bringing this up.

PS: Also note FM's warning. I do not know if any of the earlier units sold by El Reno are the ones affected:
WARNING!
Recently, El Reno Aviation closed their doors and auctioned off all items in their inventory including many F&M Oil Filter Adapters. The oil filter adapters are now being sold at very low prices on the internet and some F.B.O.s.


BUYER BEWARE... IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!

These adapters have been on the shelf for nearly 10 years. The oil filters have exceeded the manufacturers shelf life. Many of the adapters have corrosion due to a high moisture storage environment. Most do not have the correct gaskets. F&M made a change in gaskets and machining approximately 5 years ago. Without a thorough inspection by F&M personnel, F&M WILL NOT SUPPORT THESE ADAPTERS. We charge $200.00 for a thorough inspection. Request for new paperwork or gaskets will be compared to the serial numbers sold during auction

[Joe Moilanen]

Since I'm in the middle of an annual and it's been 13 years and 1050 hours since I installed my F&M, I purchased the new gaskets (mine never leaked by the way). Figuring out a way to torque a 1'' square nut had me scratching my head for a minute or two, but I came up with a solution. I had more 1" open-end wrenches and 1-1/8 sockets laying around then I could use with two hands at the same time so I cut the end off the end wrench and welded it to the socket. See attached.

[GAHorn]

Great solution, Joe!

Our illustrious prez came up with an alternative solution.... weld any socket or 3/8 or 1/2 adaptor to a short piece of 1" square tubing.

He taught me that if you paint it RED... the job will go much faster!

[Joe Moilanen]

I'll look around for some red paint George...