Leaking Avionics Bay Access Doors

[SkyKing]

Jim,

Whoa... I don't envy your problem at all, Jim! This isn't the first time we've heard of this 'little' problem. Seems the shop that FORMERLY maintained our P337 did that little silicone trick on ours and actually glued them down.... they were a real bitch to get off. But we managed and without messing them up. A narrow and flexible stainless steel putty knife will ease the endeavor... and patience, LOTS of p-a-t-i-e-n-c-e! Probably best to clean all the old stuff out... 3M Scotchbright works really well to clean the alum after you get most of the nasty stuff off... then lay down the new seal, which is reasonably priced ... or at least it USE to be... from Cessna. Plio-Bond works best and let it set-up... and CAREFULLY lay the new seal down so that it's slightly elevated so you have good compressibility when you put the cover on it. It's also good to check the attachment hardware, as the ends can and do rust, and we've seen some rounded off... your wouldn't want to lose an avionics hatch cover... no telling where it would go (probably through the rear prop though!)... and talk about a sudden decompression if you're a "P"model! Oh, THAT could be fun... so check the hardware and REPLACE ANY that looks SUSPECT!

SkyKing