Upgrading to silicone hoses at 5 year rubber change?

Rotax Wizard wrote:

The part is called out specifically by the Rotax Maintenance Manual Line  (MML) In the  work order it should show this part and a notation on the log should list it.  If they only say they changed the hoses I would assume they did not change the pad.  Hopefully they will have in addition to the A&P licence a type specific training to Rotax iRMT.  The iRMT Service class will make them aware where the call out is and what is involved in a 5 year rubber replacement.  

Cheers

Any way to physically inspect it to know if it's been changed or needs to be changed? In my experience, logbook entries are far from complete and cannot be relied upon. I have found multiple things done to my airplane not noted in the logbook, and they were done by an A&P not the previous owner. I have learned not to trust logbooks and to only trust the parts I can see with my own eyes.

The purpose of the rubber pad attached to the coolant expansion tanks is to prevent the tank from rubbing against the engine case, which may lead to wear and, potentially, a loss of engine coolant. The area where the rubber pad attaches to the expansion tank is crucial for inspection, specifically for any signs of cracking or rubber deterioration. If the "ears" of the pad break off, the pad may become displaced. Should you notice any cracking or deterioration, it is advisable to replace it.

If you suspect that the pad has never been changed, it's likely the same age as your engine. To determine its age, please provide the engine S/N, and we can look up the manufacturing date (plus 5 years). When in doubt, it's best to change it out.

I'm on the fence about changing the rubber expansion tank pad. As Rotax owner states it's only there to protect the tank from abrasion and usually from the crankcase. Almost all the planes I see the expansion tank never touches the case. So now as Rotax Owner stated you need to check the two connection points that hold it in place and yes these do break over time. 

Here's  my big but on replacement. If the bottom of the pad is not worn and never touches the case then it can be silicone adhesived to the bottom of the tank. It never comes off, the silicone adds more protection and you never have worry worry about the attachment points owing off again. I have some and know of others that are 15 - 20 years old like this. It has never been an issue. Since this isn't carring any pressure or vacuum  then it isn't  ike a hose or other wear important part. If the pad shows zero signs of wear why can't  it be left in place better secured than when it was new?

If at anytime it has to be removed you just pull it off.

I'm on the fence about changing the rubber expansion tank pad. As Rotax owner states it's only there to protect the tank from abrasion and usually from the crankcase. Almost all the planes I see the expansion tank never touches the case. So now as Rotax Owner stated you need to check the two connection points that hold it in place and yes these do break over time. 

Here's  my big but on replacement. If the bottom of the pad is not worn and never touches the case then it can be silicone adhesived to the bottom of the tank. It never comes off, is easily inspected, the silicone adds more protection and you never have worry about the attachment points coming off again. I have some and know of others that are 15 - 20 years old like this. It has never been an issue. Since this isn't carring any pressure or vacuum  then it isn't  ike a hose or other wear important part. If the pad shows zero signs of wear why can't  it be left in place better secured than when it was new?

If at anytime it has to be removed you just pull it off.

The heat isn't  an issue with the silicone or the engine heater mfg's wouldn't  use it on the oil tank to secure the heating pad or other places in and on the engine.

So, what’s different about the new pad if it’s not silicone?