Leaking Gascolator

This was a very dangerous discovery—the gascolator had a very pronounced dripping leak, and it was right above the exhaust stack inside the cowling on an RV-9. This was a relatively new aircraft, less than two years old. It is not uncommon for new aircraft to have crud and metal shavings in the fuel tanks that invariably get stuck in the quick drains. They should be checked frequently during the first few years.

—Vic Syracuse