Fuel tank vent

[flyer170]

I was at Oshgosh last Saturday (drove down ) and I spent some time looking at the 170's that were there. On a few of them I noticed something attached to the front of the fuel tank vent. It looked like a rubber collar with a hole in the center slipped over the end of the vent.
Does anybody know what that is
I have been busy flying and fishing, hope everybody is enjoying the summer.
Bob

[GAHorn]

Some operators have placed wire-screen or other "covers" to keep insects out of that vent while hangared/tied down. Perhaps that's what you observed?

[N170CT]

Yes, your description closely matches that of Cessna Service Kit SK-8053-6 dated 7-19-56 titled Check Valve Fuel Vent. This kit is designed to "eliminate fuel loss through the vent caused by splashing of the gasoline when the tanks are full".

As near as I can tell, no one, including Cessna, makes this kit today. I understand Yingling at one time manufactured the parts (per Tom Hall, if my memory is valid), but apparently not today.

Just for a benchmark, I ordered the Service Kit from Cessna and was charged $39 for one sheet of paper. If you wish to see this sheet, send me a FAX number. I don't charge anything like what Cessna charges.
Regards

[Jay]

I Checked with Yingling on this fuel vent kit a few months back for a friend, to see if it was still available. I purchaed this kit about 15yrs ago for my C170 at a cost of about $10, shipping included; as I still have the old receipt. When I checked with Yingling a few months ago; the total kit price was over $200. I gave them the kit # and each idividual part #. They told me the ball was Approx $70; the seat $69; the cap about $60; & the pin $8. I asked if he was sure we talking about the same kit. I told him I had purchased this kit 15 yrs ago for a total cost of $10, and had the receipt in front of me. His reply was Sorry; these are the prices the computer shows; and I wasn't working here 15yrs ago.