Rear spar cover box

[konstantin_azarov]

Hi all,

It's me again, with a fresh problem.

We have a wing mating connector that we need access to. The problem is that it is behind the rear spar cover box:

PXL_20241006_215749461.jpg (4.14 MiB) Viewed 1054 times

It seems to be on there pretty good with some sort of goop (silicone?):

PXL_20241006_215802162.MP.jpg (8.65 MiB) Viewed 1054 times

PXL_20241006_215757027.jpg (2.82 MiB) Viewed 1054 times

Would you have any suggestions on what to do here? I tried poking it using a razor blade and getting all of it off would be a nightmare (I think there is a bunch of it all the way under the flanges).

Thanks!
Konstantin

[Brad Simmons]

Try a pry bar and a prayer. Be prepared to repair some composite damage.

Brad

[Tom Sullivan]

I have had the best luck using a strong gasket scraper. Get the leading edge tapped in all around the gasket /flange surface and work it slowly until it starts separating. With enough patience, you can get them off without damaging them.

I installed access covers over the spar bolts (with gaskets) so when needing to check torque on the spar bolt during your condition inspection, they are easily accessible.

Tom

[konstantin_azarov]

Thanks.

I'm actually wondering if it would be easier to cut an access hole in place instead of trying to remove the cover. Is there a common method for installing the access plates? I looked in the build manual, didn't find anything. I was thinking maybe cut a hole, install a bunch of click-bond nutplates and cover with an 1/8 inch aluminum plate and a gasket.

[Tom Sullivan]

If your access hole is large enough to get a rivet squeezer in, you could install nut plates in place. Another option is to install nut plates on small pieces of composite and then bond those in place.

Tom

[konstantin_azarov]

If the access plate is on the forward (largest) face of the box then the aileron pushrod box will be in the way of the rivet squeezer. But I'm not super concerned about figuring how to put in nutplates - either clickbond or what you said should work.

How big did you make your access holes? If you have a picture for reference, it would be very helpful.

Thanks!

[Tom Sullivan]

Second picture down on page two of this thread.

viewtopic.php?t=189&start=10

Tom