Baffling Baffle Seals
Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 3:08 am
Howdy All. I have two questions for the group as I am about to be replacing my rear baffle seals that seem a bit too short and keep flipping backwards and allowing air to escape without going through my rear cylinders.
The two sections of baffle seals that coincide with both access hatches is bent back and riveted in place, leaving gaps for air to pass (pictures attached). Before changing what I inherited, I wanted to see if anyone had a reason why this might have been done. I have not seen baffle seals pinned back like this on other aircraft and I am wondering if it is to keep pressure off the hatches so they don’t blow open in flight. It is only pinned back by the hatches and the rest of the seal is simply riveted on the bottom edge. My plan is to just drill out the rivets pinning the seals back and getting a good seal.
The second question is concerning my choice of replacement baffle seals. I am looking at McFarland’s Baffle-Kit-1BF which is their cowl saver, reduced friction, bi-flex- 3”x108”, retainer strips, and soft rivets. Does anyone have any experience with their bi-flex and would the 3” strip work with the slight curve of the rear baffle?
Thank you in advance for your feedback. I do have a JPI 830 with probes (CHT/EGT) for all six cylinders and have been looking for ways to keep my temp for #2 below 400. The baffling is in good condition, but after checking for light leaks and realizing the rear seals keep blowing back, I think I have found my issue.
Blue Skys,
Matthew
The two sections of baffle seals that coincide with both access hatches is bent back and riveted in place, leaving gaps for air to pass (pictures attached). Before changing what I inherited, I wanted to see if anyone had a reason why this might have been done. I have not seen baffle seals pinned back like this on other aircraft and I am wondering if it is to keep pressure off the hatches so they don’t blow open in flight. It is only pinned back by the hatches and the rest of the seal is simply riveted on the bottom edge. My plan is to just drill out the rivets pinning the seals back and getting a good seal.
The second question is concerning my choice of replacement baffle seals. I am looking at McFarland’s Baffle-Kit-1BF which is their cowl saver, reduced friction, bi-flex- 3”x108”, retainer strips, and soft rivets. Does anyone have any experience with their bi-flex and would the 3” strip work with the slight curve of the rear baffle?
Thank you in advance for your feedback. I do have a JPI 830 with probes (CHT/EGT) for all six cylinders and have been looking for ways to keep my temp for #2 below 400. The baffling is in good condition, but after checking for light leaks and realizing the rear seals keep blowing back, I think I have found my issue.
Blue Skys,
Matthew