Yes it is curious that a single A&P is publishing findings. I wonder if they’re repeatable?
Or if they’re even significant. Shade tree mechanics are ill equipped to do this testing. Instead of guessing what the goo is, run FTIR and find out with certainty. You’ll know the source then. The mechanic consistently mispronounces Buna so he’s a rookie for sure. And nitrile is a modern material. Chloroprene was the traditional fuel resistant elastomer. And you may not want to shove fluoropolymer into every application. Some of them will rely on some swell to do their job; the cork gasket is a good example.
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Some of them will rely on some swell to do their job; the cork gasket is a good example.
This has always been my understanding as well–the cork is SUPPOSED to swell as it absorbs liquid. In fact, some cork gaskets come with a warning to expect leaks until the cork absorbs enough liquid to swell and make a seal.
This fuel is NOT ready yet! If the courts in the Fruits and Nuts stat approve it, is the state going to pay for repairs and loss of life when the aircraft fails?