****Alert**** - F+M Oil filter adapter gasket fail

[johneeb]

It is time to review the other discussions that we have had here that deal with the problem with the threads that the adapter screws into. If they are not clean no amount of diligent torqueing technique is going to get the proper amount of pressure against the adapter and the accessory case. When installing a oil filter adapter the first time borrow the thread tap from F&M and clean the threads before installing the adapter.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

From this thread: http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... er#p100916

The threads on my F&M oil filter adapter measure 1 3/4" X 16 -Gary

[GAHorn]

Be very careful ordering or using... a tap ordered from commercial sources. There is more to threads than O.D. and T.P.I. (threads per inch) as any machinist can confirm. Pitch, height, taper, angle, truncation, depth, style, etc etc etc.

The "standards" are so numerous it can overwhelm: UNF, USC, USF, Baldwin, Whitworth, BS, IS, etc etc. and it's not always the obvious.

Anyway... just sayin'...

[Pauld64]

Wow, what a great response to this post. This is exactly what I was hoping for by posting this issue. I didn't want to scare anyone away from using the adapter, I just want people to be aware of my issue and to check their own planes and replace when required. The plane that this adapter was on sat for several years with no one flying it. An overhall was done on the engine and everything was thought to be fine at which point I began to fly it. I put about 150 hours on the engine in the past year and a half while I was getting my PPL. The engine only had about 400 hours on it when this happened and was very reliable. I assume the adapter gasket was not replaced during the overall. There was an oil change done about 50 hours ago and the split gasket was not noticed at that time. There is no doubt I will be replacing the gasket every 3 years from now on as F+M suggests. Thanks for all the posts. As a new pilot I'm amazed at what you can learn be reading and being part of these forums. My next biggest hurdle is trying to get my wife in the plane again. As the YouTube video shows at the end she quickly looks under the plane at all the oil and walked away rather quickly. I think she actually kissed the ground.

[170C]

George, am I imaging it or did/does the association have a thread chaser for the F&M oil filter adapter that can be loaned to members? Maybe I am thinking of the push rod tube expander That might be a good opportunity for someone with some extra cash laying around burning holes in their pockets to purchase one and donate it to the association for loan to members. I don't know how many members' planes have the F&M adapter.

[GAHorn]

FM-Enterprises offers such a tool, but neither TIC170A nor Members I know of have such.

[baboss]

I bought the last seal kit from Spruce the other day and they now show on backorder. Someone on the 172 forums said they haven't been able to get ahold of anyone at F&M lately and that the phone seemed disconnected.
Hope that's not the case!
I'm guessing this might be what the new gasket is made out of: http://www.garlock.com/en/product/leak-gard-style-3750

[Showboatsix]

Ok gentlemen,
Here is the latest news on the F&M oil filter debacle. Two months ago I contacted Bob about my oil filter adapter issues
1. Adapter was purchased back in 1997. S/N: 00097.
2. The threaded male adapter never would thread into the case properly, only appx. 3 threads then would get very tight.
3. Bob suggested I send the adapter back for a machine mod to the barrel tip and to upgrade to the newer gasket style.
4. He also suggested I borrow his tap to clean my engine case threads (did that no change)
5. At this annual, started in March, I again contacted Bob to the ongoing problem with my adapter.
6. I took my male adapter to two different FBO's on the field who also do engine o/h's, I attempted to screw my male adapter stem into those engines. The same thing occurred.
7. Taking photos and listing my issues and historical data, I contacted Bob again (March this year)
8. Bob was very helpful the. And after he received the parts he stated that he wS going to install a new male adapter and return it to me.
9. After no parts came in UPS I again contacted Bob to see where my adapter was, his statement was that "he had a address mixup".
After giving him my correct address he stated that it would be sent out that day.(mid April)
I went to two weeks of Flightsafety school, came home to no adapter!
I attempted to call him and bot his phone numbers were disconnected, I tried today to call and it did go to voice mail which stated "this mailbox is full and cannot receive new messages. Goodbye."
So as of today I sit with no adapter, no way to reach Bob, an airplane unflyable for almost 3 months now!
I ordered a factory o-300 screen today to get my airplane back flying.
The bottom line is: Bob does not have the honor to return my calls, or my product, but then this is "aviation", let the buyer beware!
N6863A

[GAHorn]

I'm sorry to read this. My own dealings with Bob have been very good and I don't necessarily think he has an "honor" problem. I am wondering if he has a health problem and is unable to conduct business at this time. I will follow up with contacts in Borger and post again.

I'm one of the hundreds who've never experienced any problem whatsoever with my FM Enterprises filter adaptor system.
The earliest adaptors were marketed through El Reno Aviation as the "El Reno" adaptor. Those adaptors were apparently mfr'd by
Floyd Jones (FM inventor/founder) in Borger.
When Jones obtained his own STC for the adaptor he marketed it as we know it.

It originally used only AN900 copper crush gaskets but complaints of oil seepage led to an "improved" fiber gasket which required a different machining process at the face. This latest adaptor has enjoyed a good reputation and I've had mine in-place for over 14 years now without any problem.

I really like the absence of any hoses and/or connectors and hope this is a temporary matter with the company. Again, I'll follow up with contacts in Borger and report back.

[Joe Moilanen]

I must have caught the just in time, ordered mine in February from them and had them in the mail in less than a week.

Joe

[GAHorn]

I have telephoned my contact in Borger, TX who promises to drive to the FM Enterprises business office and ask Bob to call me. As far as they know, he's still doing business and no complaints have been received at the airport where he is well known.

I'll report again when/if he calls.

[lowNslow]

I ordered the gasket kit from F & M just 6-8 weeks ago and they answered right away and had them in the mail pronto - no problems.

[Showboatsix]

Here is the latest, I have left 4 voice mails on Bob's phone recorder, asking, even begging to have my oil filter adapter returned to me, all have gone unanswered.
If he is having financial trouble, or legal trouble, or illness at least he could get somebody to leave a message or call.
Still no adapter.
Dean

[c170b53]

What's the status of the the screen replacement? Got one somewhere if you need it.

[daedaluscan]

Is there another source for the gasket set? I have emailed and called F&M with no success, and Spruce are out. Would like to change this at my annual in early July.