ELEVATOR GAP SEAL INSTALLATION

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a64pilot
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Post by a64pilot »

When I first got my plane the gap seal was fabric and painted to match. It's now the clear tape that I believe over time will turn yellow. Both worked equally well.

iceman
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Post by iceman »

You can hardly tell it's there after it's on. The paint shows through nicely and it only extends an inch onto the stab. :D
Iceman

Karl Hartlen
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Post by Karl Hartlen »

Thanks for the info. I ordered them yesterday, they should be on by mid next week. I am quite anxious to feel the difference 8) .

Karl

iceman
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Post by iceman »

Karl Hartlen wrote:Thanks for the info. I ordered them yesterday, they should be on by mid next week. I am quite anxious to feel the difference 8) .

Karl
does your Maule have VG's? The combination of VG's and the gap seals is a great investment. Really helps with elevator effectiveness at the slower speeds. Just don't forget to secure your elevator in the neutral position before you put them on..
Iceman

senoiaslim
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Post by senoiaslim »

Where is the best place to buy the gap seal kit?
Mark

Karl Hartlen
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Post by Karl Hartlen »

Iceman,
my M4 has the VG's. I originally installed them to try and get my Maule out of the water quicker, CAP2000 floats. I was not completely ready for the rest :shock: :shock:

Quite amazing the aileron effectiveness at slower speeds. We've tried stalls at 3, 4 and 5 Thousand feet, problem is the A/S indicator gets crazy before the actual stall :shock: :shock:

I'm quite anxious to see/feel elevator improvement with the seal on.

I'll let you know.

senoiaslim,

I ordered the seal kit from Alaska Bushwheels Inc.

Karl

iceman
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Post by iceman »

You can get it from Maule also. Brian was the one who clued me in on the soapy water thing. I can't see getting the seal on any other way without it sticking to everything it touches.
Iceman

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TomD
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gap seal install

Post by TomD »

Don't get carried away on how much soap you put in the water.

I just needs a whisper of soap. Any ol' dishwashing liquid works well.

TD

Karl Hartlen
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Re: gap seal install

Post by Karl Hartlen »

TomD wrote:Don't get carried away on how much soap you put in the water.

I just needs a whisper of soap. Any ol' dishwashing liquid works well.

TD
OK,

thanks,

Karl

iceman
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Post by iceman »

I put about four or five drops in a standard spray bottle and filled it with water... That's all it takes.
Iceman

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SkyMaule
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Post by SkyMaule »

We installed the gap seals on my M5 yesterday. Reading the thread was very helpful. Thanks fellers! :wink:

Anxious to fly it to see how it woiks! :)
1975 Maule M5-210C

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SkyMaule
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Post by SkyMaule »

The elevator Gap Seals are wonderful! They should have been put on at the factory! I always thought the airplane had an empty feeling in the flare. It now flys like you would expect it should at those low airspeeds. Such a simple fix. If you don't have them, I'd sure recommend it!

Mark
1975 Maule M5-210C

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Green Hornet
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Post by Green Hornet »

Ditto, I did mine about a years ago. I had the gap seal but added the VG's. The 2 together really improve control at slow speed. A worth while modification. :D
1997-M7-235C, 540 I/O


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crhannay
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Gap Seal Removal

Post by crhannay »

Can this gap seal be removed without tearing up the paint and fabric?

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maules.com
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Post by maules.com »

Curtis, which Maule did you get that needs this work.
The VGs and gapseal do not affect each other if installed in the correct place.
Jeremy
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Maule AK Worldwide

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