Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
(OP)
I made a field visit to a homebuilt nearing completion. [EAA Tech Counselor inspection]. Everything was fine except that the gas cap cam lock interfaces were very rough with saw tooth appearance. It was 'as drawn.' It had 'Made in China' written all over it, which translated means no attention to specs and no concept of QC. The airplane model is US made in the mountain west.
Manufacturers have to resist the dirt cheap appeal of sourcing in China and think of the consequences. Cessna would be smart to set up duplicate lines in Wichita and China, if they are addressing a China market. I hope they openly report their mfg experiences with China.
Manufacturers have to resist the dirt cheap appeal of sourcing in China and think of the consequences. Cessna would be smart to set up duplicate lines in Wichita and China, if they are addressing a China market. I hope they openly report their mfg experiences with China.





RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
If the appearance is 'as drawn', then the part meets the spec, right?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
..
That said, if it is a kit built aircraft, and the kit manufacturer provided the part I am surprised. All of the kit provided parts (not raw materials) I have seen have been of a very good quality, even if not made to the same specifications as a production aircraft.
--Jim (EAA guy too)
RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
I am sensitized to 'made in China' from personal experience on an automotive second tier assy. Chinese acetal material was introduced by our plastic parts supplier without due regard to QC, and there was widespread infant mortality. The company lost the contract, all plants went into dormancy, and thousands lost their jobs.
I believe the gas cap assy was supplied with the American homebuilt kit. The cam surface was jagged like a saw tooth. The acceptable detail is either secondary machined or cleaned up in a trim die during progressive stamping. This one had 'made in China' written all over it.
RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
Does it literally have 'made in China' written on it or do you mean it appears to made in china because of the poor quality of the part?
Poor quality parts can be a problem, and it's important to find out where they came from so you and others can avoid them, but remember that the part was not made by china, but by a company (possibly) in china. There are many high quality Chinese companies that make good parts and a few crappy companies here in the U.S. that make junk. Let's not use China as a derogative for poor craftsmanship.
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
China needs to learn the rudiments of QC and conformance to specifications. I have seen numerous examples of Chinese non-conformance as a result of convenient alternates introduced into the system. It gives new meaning to the words 'Chinese Junk.'
RE: Rough cam lock surfaces on gas caps
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.