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While shopping with Aircraft Spruce today, I decided to throw a couple Tempest AA48108-2 Oil filters in my basket. Expected ship date is January 27th!!! Availability seems better on the AA48109 with is the same filter, just 2-3/16" taller. I'm not close to the airplane so I can't go down and measure; does anyone know if there is enough room under the cowl to get the 4809 in there on a C-85?
John, I'm assuming that the individual aircraft's STC will dictate just as you've indicated? Tempest's (and other filter suppliers) have this statement, apparently from a 1995 Champion "bulletin" that leads some to believe that the 109 can be used IF it fits: "All Cessna aircraft modified under Cessna Service bulletin SEB-93-1 or MEB-93-1 require Tempest Oil Filter AA48108. The AA48109 may be used if clearance permits installation." Again, I'd assume that if that isn't specifically written in the individual aircraft's original STC this wouldn't apply(?). Mac
Those service bulletins apply to the Cessna oil filter adapter(s). I've never seen one installed on a 120 or 140. I'm assuming we're talking about the F&M oil filter adapter. or whatever it's called these days.
The STC is not specific to an individual airframe; it is applicable to the engine types certified under E-233 and E-252, all C75, C85, C90 and O200s . The information I quoted above comes from the STC paperwork (installation instructions) for that adapter (TAF-L) installed under STC SE7559SW and is current as of 9/5/2007. The text is to be included on the Form 337 as part of the instructions for continued airworthiness.
Yes, I believe we're talking about the F & M (I think Tempest owns the STC now & may have renamed it?). In any event, I'd tried to find provision in my own engine paperwork for the F & M that might allow the 109 & just can't get it to work. I'd jumped at the Tempest OK (for the Cessna mount) and erroneously considered that it "might" apply. And, on my installation at least, there's plenty of clearance for the longer filter and would, no doubt, fit and function OK. If it isn't "Legal", though, it's irrelevant + admittedly it would add (minor) additional weight, (minor) additional oil capacity & longer "lever" out on the mount casting. Again, maybe of no real consequence (?), but irrelevant. (Right now I'm remembering that Randy doesn't concern himself with filter stuff -- maybe another reason for total originality that did work pretty well "back then", especially with filters now scarce...and, cost well north of $30 bucks each.)
Thanks! Mac
I found the installation instructions for the TAF-L marketed by Tempest. It is apparently manufactured by a company called Stratus. It contains the following wording on page 5: "Spin-on oil filters approved for use on the applicable engines and air frames are approved for use with the Stratus oil filter adapters." I don't know of a single filter that meets those conditions. However, they ship it with a Tempest AA-48108-2 filter. A note with the filter listing states "See page 5 for other acceptable filters."
Per instructions, a minimum of 1/2" clearance must be maintained..............etc.,there is your approval. No FAA guy is going to argue about an aircraft 109 oil filter installed unless it fails because of clearance issues, forgot to tighten it, etc., It's crazy that we even have an oil filter shortage. He may question it if it says carquest or the like.
My take is that to comply with the letter of the rules, the chosen filter must meet all the conditions, not just one. The most recent version of the instructions are vague, or confusing, to say the least, which leaves us with the older version, which lists all the approved filters.
Availability seems better on the AA48109 with is the same filter, just 2-3/16" taller. I'm not close to the airplane so I can't go down and measure; does anyone know if there is enough room under the cowl to get the 4809 in there on a C-85?