TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: Kavlico Fluid Pressure Sensors

Original Bulletin: May 6, 2020
Updated: August 31, 2020

PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE CONTACTING DYNON AVIONICS


Description

Since 2012, Dynon has supplied Kavlico fluid pressure sensors for use with its engine monitoring products. These sensors are primarily used to monitor oil, fuel, and coolant pressure. Dynon has received rare sensor failure reports that involve fluid leakage. Reports include both drips and sprays of fuel and oil. Dynon has not received any reports of fuel exhaustion, oil exhaustion, or fires associated with the reported failures. Based on review of the sales and fleet data, the likelihood of this condition occurring is remote.

Although the likelihood of a sensor failing in the manner described above is remote, Dynon has been investigating the issue due to the nature of the failure. However, after extensive analysis with assistance from the manufacturer, Dynon has not yet determined the root cause for these failures. Dynon continues to investigate this issue. Furthermore, Dynon requests customers who have experienced this issue to contact Dynon Technical Support to provide information that may assist us in identifying the underlying cause.

Per recommendation from the sensor manufacturer, Dynon is changing its sensor offerings to models with improved specifications going forward. The new sensors feature a different internal design, yielding substantially higher burst pressure ratings.


Additional Technical Details

Reports of sensors that have failed in the manner described above are limited to applications where 50+ PSI sensors are implemented, as is typically the case in fuel injection and oil pumping systems. There have been no reports of 5, 15, or 30 PSI sensor failures. Even so, Dynon is offering updated sensors for all applications of 15 PSI and higher.

The updated pressure sensors have a number of design elements that result in higher burst pressure ratings than the outgoing sensors. The previous sensors are already quite robust, with burst pressure ratings that are 3x their maximum rated pressure. The updated sensors improve upon this significantly. The new 150 PSI has a burst pressure rating of 2000 PSI, which is over 13x greater than its maximum rated pressure. For low pressure applications, the new 15 PSI and 50PSI sensors have burst pressure ratings of 1000 PSI, or 66x and 50x their maximum rated pressures, respectively.

Additionally, after analyzing the sensors, Dynon determined that the updated 150 PSI sensors have sufficient accuracy and precision across their range to be used in almost all but the lowest pressure applications. Therefore, most SkyView customers with fuel injected systems can use 150 PSI sensors for measuring both fuel pressure and oil pressure. Sensors that are rated for higher pressure measurement ratings have correspondingly higher burst pressure ratings; therefore, improved margins over their equivalent lower-pressure models. In effect, there is two-fold improvement here—first, by moving to a more robust sensor, and second, by using one higher in the pressure range.


Applicability and Affected Equipment

The following sensors are affected by this bulletin:

Figure 1: Legacy Kavlico Sensor

Legacy Sensor Legacy Sensor Part Marking
503389-000: Fuel Injected Fuel/Coolant/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico, 1/8-27 NPT, 50 PSI P4055-5025-3
503388-000: Oil/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico, 1/8-27 NPT, 150 PSI P4055-5025-6

Recommendations

  • Dynon Recommendation: Aircraft owners/operators should consider taking advantage of this product improvement. Dynon does not specify a timeframe in which such replacement should be performed..
  • Immediate Action: Ensure pressure sensors are installed in accordance with guidance in the installation documentation. Do not mount sensors directly to the engine or other sources of high vibration. Utilize inline fittings that incorporate a flow restrictor to prevent rapid discharge of fluids in the event of a failure of any component, including the sensor.
  • Preventive Action: Monitor engine compartment for possible fluid leaks originating at the pressure sensors. If installing new fluid pressure sensors, use the updated sensors. Other preventive actions that could be considered include isolating possible leak sources from sources of ignition. Such sources include, but are not limited to, fluid junctions, fittings, hoses, and fluid pressure sensors.
  • Corrective Action:If any signs of fluid leaks (including trace amounts of residual fluid) are detected:

Updated Sensor Applications for Dynon Certified SkyView HDX Systems


Figure 2. Updated Kavlico Sensor

Legacy Sensor Legacy Sensor Part Marking Updated Sensor Updated Sensor Part Marking Recommended Pressure Range
503389-000: [PMA Version] Fuel Injected Fuel/Coolant/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico, 1/8-27 NPT, 50 PSI P4055-5025-3 503851-000: [PMA Version] Oil/Fuel/Coolant/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico v2, 1/8-27 NPT, 150 PSI * P255-150G-E4A 6-150 PSI
503388-000: [PMA Version] Oil/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico, 1/8-27 NPT, 150 PSI P4055-5025-6 503851-000: [PMA Version] Oil/Fuel/Coolant/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico v2, 1/8-27 NPT, 150 PSI P255-150G-E4A 6-150 PSI
* Most applications. See “Note on choosing sensors” below

Also available:
Updated Sensor Part Marking Recommended Pressure Range
503850-000: [PMA Version] Fuel/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico v2, 1/8-27 NPT, 15 PSI P255-15G-E4A .6-15 PSI
503983-000: [PMA Version] Fuel/Coolant/Fluid Pressure Sender - Kavlico v2, 1/8-27 NPT, 50 PSI P255-50G-E4A 2-50 PSI

Note on choosing sensors:

  • Use the new 15 PSI Kavlico sensor (P/N 503850-000) for most carbureted fuel systems with 0.6–15 PSI requirements.
  • Use the new 150 PSI Kavlico sensor (P/N 503851-000) for most injected fuel systems and oil systems with 6–150 PSI requirements.
  • If neither of the above are suitable for the airplane's fuel system, use the new 50 PSI Kavlico sensor (P/N 503983-000) for fuel systems with 2–50 PSI requirements.
  • If both the 50 PSI and 150 PSI sensors meet the airplane's fuel system requirements, then use the higher pressure 150 PSI sensor.

SkyView Engine Sensor Definitions Update

Updated SkyView HDX engine sensor definitions that support the new sensors are included in the latest software update package on the Dynon Certified software update page. Download and install the latest software update package to you SkyView displays. After loading the updated sensor definitions, choose the newly installed sensor(s) in SkyView system setup under “SETUP MENU > EMS SETUP > SENSOR INPUT MAPPING…” to complete re-configuration of your system.

Replacement Sensors

Replacement Kavlico sensors are available for purchase from Dynon. Dynon is not responsible for costs related to the removal and installation of the sensors.


Time in Effect

This Technical Service Bulletin is in effect indefinitely or until superseded by a future bulletin.


Additional Questions?

Contact Dynon Avionics Technical Support.