I noticed these tonight on the lower cowl of the club 182RG. These are just forward of the cowl doors, but there are others on the cowl as well. This plane was just painted about 8 months ago.

Are these something to be worried about?

It's a good time to drill those out. Clean the mating parts really good, and then squeeze some PR1440B2 between the mating surfaces. Install new rivets before the sealant dries. The sealant offers strength and also keeps the nasty oil out.

Thanks, Del. Since this is part of a big club, the wheels turn slowly. Is this going to be an issue in the next, say 100 hrs/6 months of flying? Or is there any way to tell?

This is pretty common on the R182 series, at least in the high-time examples I have worked on. While it should be addressed at the next opportunity, the next 100 hours aren't likely to cause any irreversible damage. The rivets were loose when the airplane was painted and it just took this long to show up again.

While it is in the shop, have them check the rivets all along the tunnel back to the firewall. Also, have them remove the cowl flaps and check the hinge points. They are likely worn which causes vibration which is causing the loose rivets.

Del has great advice in using sealant in this area as well, I'll have to try that next time.

When you're working with the sealant (whether ProSeal or some off-brand equivalent), be sure to wear clothes that you really like and plan want to wear again.

(Actually, a batch for a dozen or so rivets should make only a small mess that is quite manageable.)

Eric,
I agree with Casey; It's not going to hurt to fly until next inspection down time.

When you drill those rivets out, you'll likely find the holes are enlarged/elongated. Nominal diameter rivets will work harden before they fill the hole and buck-tail is set. This often prompts the mechanic to continue to shoot until tight and that stretches the hole further. NAS1241AD are a first oversize rivet, and recommended for these situations. Better to ream the holes up so they are round and fit to these first oversize diameter, rather than the next nominal diameter.

Would the worn hinge points also cause the cowl flaps to be slightly open, even when the handle is in the fully closed position? They're open maybe 1/2" at the trailing edge.

Del,
When you use the oversized rivets for these oversized holes do you use the rivet
gun on the back side (inside) of the cowl with a bucking bar on the outside
(painted) side ?

I've ordered a bag of the NAS1241AD rivets (thank you for the info on oversized rivets)
and will be working on my cowl issue in the coming weeks.

Paul

I probably would shoot them normally. Remove the cowl flap and you can use a squeezer if you have one that fits.