Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> RV6-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

genie(at)swissmail.org
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 9:55 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this resulted in the 

dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the outside by a company. 

It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas and fuel which 

contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the problem. Until late 

last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the cockpit. I sealed and 

tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.



Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing root some paint has 

flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode. I was told that 

this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one cannot see any 

dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank. When I filled a lot 

of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the smell in the cockpit 

got stronger.



Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long term, to solve or at 

least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest thing would be to 

drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If anyone knows of a 

replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and install the replacement.



Thanks for your replies.



George Nielsen

RV-6 PH-XGN

The Hague, the Netherlands

BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 10:28 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George, I too have had fuel leaks in both of my tanks. You can purchase complete fuel tanks (at least you used to be able to) but you would probably have to buy both. For me was able to remove the tanks and repair them. the one side was just a gasket and the other side was leaking at the forward fuselage bracket mount. I removed the cover and cleaned and then reprosealed all around the bracket inside and out. it took a half to remove the tank then a couple of hours to ascertain, clean and proseal the bracket. we used a vacuum to try to draw proseal into any voids that may have been present. Then I waited a couple days for the proseal to set up. Then we tested and confirmed that it was seal, another hour to install the tank and voila, it has been holding very well in the two years since the repair. For my money that is the route that I would go to have a dependable tank and another couple hours of range. Just my two cents! 

Good luck,

	Bob



--

jay.pearlman(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 10:47 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Have you removed the wing fuselage fairing and looked for leaks there. Do you have aileron boots and other seals between the wings and the cockpit? Maybe you can give us an idea of your configuration?Jay Pearlman

      From: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org>

 To: rv6-list(at)matronics.com 

 Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2015 10:54 AM

 Subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this resulted in the 

dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the outside by a company. 

It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas and fuel which 

contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the problem. Until late 

last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the cockpit. I sealed and 

tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.

Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing root some paint has 

flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode. I was told that 

this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one cannot see any 

dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank. When I filled a lot 

of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the smell in the cockpit 

got stronger.

Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long term, to solve or at 

least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest thing would be to 

drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If anyone knows of a 

replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and install the replacement

genie(at)swissmail.org
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 12:42 pm Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Thank you for your reply, Jay.

       

       Last time, which was years ago, I removed the wing fuselage       fairing. But as I had drained the fuel prior to doing so I did not       see any leak. As I discovered today the damages caused presumably       by leaking fuel I did not remove the fairing. I do not have       aileron boots, just the normal rubber seals and fairings.

       

       My nightmare: leaking fuel may have caused damage to the       structure, to the spar or something. This did not happen last       time. I was wondering if that could happen this time.

       

       George

       

       On 12/04/2015 20:38, Jay Pearlman wrote:

     

     [quote]                Have you removed the             wing fuselage fairing and looked for leaks there. Do you             have aileron boots and other seals between the wings and the             cockpit? Maybe you can give us an idea of your             configuration?

         Jay Pearlman

         

                                                  From: George                 Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org> (genie(at)swissmail.org)

                 To:                 rv6-list(at)matronics.com (rv6-list(at)matronics.com) 

                 Sent:                 Sunday, April 12, 2015 10:54 AM

                 Subject:                 Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

                

             

               --> RV6-List message posted by: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org (genie(at)swissmail.org)>

               

               Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this               resulted in the 

               dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the outside               by a company. 

               It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas and               fuel which 

               contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the problem.               Until late 

               last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the cockpit.               I sealed and 

               tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.

               

               Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing root               some paint has 

               flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode. I               was told that 

               this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one               cannot see any 

               dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank. When I               filled a lot 

               of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the smell               in the cockpit 

               got stronger.

               

               Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long term,               to solve or at 

               least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest               thing would be to 

               drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If anyone               knows of a 

               replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and               install the replacement.

               

               Thanks for your replies.

               

               George Nielsen

               RV-6 PH-XGN

               The Hague,6-List"               target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV6-Listhttp://forums.mat                 Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â                  &nbs//www.matronics.com/contribution"                 target="_blank">http://www.matronics.co==================

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

               

           

         

       

        	  Quote: 	
		  

	
     [b]

genie(at)swissmail.org
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 12:43 pm Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Bob, thank you very much for your reply.



If you happen to have any pictures of the places or parts which you 

repaired I would be grateful if you could send one or two.



George



On 12/04/2015 20:28, Schroeder, Bob (Parts Clerk) wrote:

[quote] 



 George, I too have had fuel leaks in both of my tanks. You can purchase complete fuel tanks (at least you used to be able to) but you would probably have to buy both. For me was able to remove the tanks and repair them. the one side was just a gasket and the other side was leaking at the forward fuselage bracket mount. I removed the cover and cleaned and then reprosealed all around the bracket inside and out. it took a half to remove the tank then a couple of hours to ascertain, clean and proseal the bracket. we used a vacuum to try to draw proseal into any voids that may have been present. Then I waited a couple days for the proseal to set up. Then we tested and confirmed that it was seal, another hour to install the tank and voila, it has been holding very well in the two years since the repair. For my money that is the route that I would go to have a dependable tank and another couple hours of range. Just my two cents!

 Good luck,

 	Bob



 --

ceengland7(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 1:20 pm Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George,

       

       You can rest easy with your concerns over fuel damaging structure       in the plane; that just won't happen. Water/salt/humidity, yes,       but damage from fuel should be limited to paint and trim items       (possibly fairings, if you use ethanol laced fuel). Remember, the       tank itself is aluminum and is exposed to fuel constantly.

       

       FWIW, I fly a -4 that was built in the early '90s, and it's had       fuel leaks several times in both tanks; some bad enough to       actually drip fuel while sitting in the hangar. There's never been       any permanent damage, except to paint. While it's 'better' to       re-seal the tanks on the inside of the tanks, sometimes better is       the enemy of good enough. If the leaks are located in areas not       visible with the tank mounted and fairings in place, they can       often be fixed by careful cleaning of the external surfaces/joints       and applying the new sealant over the offending rivet head or       seam. I've done this successfully on both of my tanks. Both had       leaks at the corners where the end rib, skin, and back baffle       converge, and also around the inboard nose attach bracket (angle).       By removing every bit of the exposed sealant, cleaning and       scouring the areas with acetone/scotchbrite pads, cleaning again,       and applying new sealant, I was able to stop all the leaks.       Remember, the actual pressure on the external sealant will be       incredibly small, as long as it's firmly attached to the aluminum       all the way to the pinpoint or 'knife-edge' line of the leak(s).       The existing leaks are almost certainly the result of improper       cleaning and prepping of the joint prior to applying the sealant       when the tank was built or repaired.

       

       Charlie

       

       On 4/12/2015 3:41 PM, George Nielsen wrote:

     

     [quote]              Thank you for your reply, Jay.

         

         Last time, which was years ago, I removed the wing fuselage         fairing. But as I had drained the fuel prior to doing so I did         not see any leak. As I discovered today the damages caused         presumably by leaking fuel I did not remove the fairing. I do         not have aileron boots, just the normal rubber seals and         fairings.

         

         My nightmare: leaking fuel may have caused damage to the         structure, to the spar or something. This did not happen last         time. I was wondering if that could happen this time.

         

         George

         

         On 12/04/2015 20:38, Jay Pearlman wrote:

       

        	  Quote: 	
		                      Have you removed the               wing fuselage fairing and looked for leaks there. Do you               have aileron boots and other seals between the wings and               the cockpit? Maybe you can give us an idea of your               configuration?

           Jay Pearlman

           

                                                          From:                   George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org> (genie(at)swissmail.org)

                   To: rv6-list(at)matronics.com (rv6-list(at)matronics.com)                   

                   Sent:                   Sunday, April 12, 2015 10:54 AM

                   Subject:                   Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

                  

               

                 --> RV6-List message posted by: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org (genie(at)swissmail.org)>

                 

                 Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this                 resulted in the 

                 dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the outside                 by a company. 

                 It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas and                 fuel which 

                 contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the                 problem. Until late 

                 last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the                 cockpit. I sealed and 

                 tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.

                 

                 Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing                 root some paint has 

                 flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode. I                 was told that 

                 this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one                 cannot see any 

                 dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank. When                 I filled a lot 

                 of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the smell                 in the cockpit 

                 got stronger.

                 

                 Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long term,                 to solve or at 

                 least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest                 thing would be to 

                 drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If anyone                 knows of a 

                 replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and                 install the replacement.

                 

                 Thanks for your replies.

                 

                 George Nielsen

                 RV-6 PH-XGN

                 The Hague,6-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV6-Listhttp://forums.mat Â  Â  Â                    Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â                    &nbs//www.matronics.com/contribution"                   target="_blank">http://www.matronics.co==================

                 

               

             

           

         

       	
     [b]

genie(at)swissmail.org
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 10:13 pm Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Charlie,

       

       Thank you very much for your reply! At least now I can sleep well.

       

       I asked because I had a leaking fuel tank in my car. This caused       damage to the rear A-arm which had to be replaced.

       

       Thank you also for the instructions on how to remedy the problem       with the fuel leak.

       

       George

       

       On 12/04/2015 23:21, Charlie England wrote:

     

     [quote]              George,

         

         You can rest easy with your concerns over fuel damaging         structure in the plane; that just won't happen.         Water/salt/humidity, yes, but damage from fuel should be limited         to paint and trim items (possibly fairings, if you use ethanol         laced fuel). Remember, the tank itself is aluminum and is         exposed to fuel constantly.

         

         FWIW, I fly a -4 that was built in the early '90s, and it's had         fuel leaks several times in both tanks; some bad enough to         actually drip fuel while sitting in the hangar. There's never         been any permanent damage, except to paint. While it's 'better'         to re-seal the tanks on the inside of the tanks, sometimes         better is the enemy of good enough. If the leaks are located in         areas not visible with the tank mounted and fairings in place,         they can often be fixed by careful cleaning of the external         surfaces/joints and applying the new sealant over the offending         rivet head or seam. I've done this successfully on both of my         tanks. Both had leaks at the corners where the end rib, skin,         and back baffle converge, and also around the inboard nose         attach bracket (angle). By removing every bit of the exposed         sealant, cleaning and scouring the areas with         acetone/scotchbrite pads, cleaning again, and applying new         sealant, I was able to stop all the leaks. Remember, the actual         pressure on the external sealant will be incredibly small, as         long as it's firmly attached to the aluminum all the way to the         pinpoint or 'knife-edge' line of the leak(s). The existing leaks         are almost certainly the result of improper cleaning and         prepping of the joint prior to applying the sealant when the         tank was built or repaired.

         

         Charlie

         

         On 4/12/2015 3:41 PM, George Nielsen wrote:

       

        	  Quote: 	
		                    Thank you for your reply, Jay.

           

           Last time, which was years ago, I removed the wing fuselage           fairing. But as I had drained the fuel prior to doing so I did           not see any leak. As I discovered today the damages caused           presumably by leaking fuel I did not remove the fairing. I do           not have aileron boots, just the normal rubber seals and           fairings.

           

           My nightmare: leaking fuel may have caused damage to the           structure, to the spar or something. This did not happen last           time. I was wondering if that could happen this time.

           

           George

           

           On 12/04/2015 20:38, Jay Pearlman wrote:

         

          	  Quote: 	
		                          Have you removed                 the wing fuselage fairing and looked for leaks there. Do                 you have aileron boots and other seals between the wings                 and the cockpit? Maybe you can give us an idea of your                 configuration?

             Jay Pearlman

             

                                                                  From:                     George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org> (genie(at)swissmail.org)

                     To: rv6-list(at)matronics.com (rv6-list(at)matronics.com)                     

                     Sent:                     Sunday, April 12, 2015 10:54 AM

                     Subject:                     Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

                    

                 

                   --> RV6-List message posted by: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org (genie(at)swissmail.org)>

                   

                   Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this                   resulted in the 

                   dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the                   outside by a company. 

                   It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas                   and fuel which 

                   contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the                   problem. Until late 

                   last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the                   cockpit. I sealed and 

                   tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.

                   

                   Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing                   root some paint has 

                   flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode.                   I was told that 

                   this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one                   cannot see any 

                   dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank.                   When I filled a lot 

                   of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the                   smell in the cockpit 

                   got stronger.

                   

                   Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long                   term, to solve or at 

                   least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest                   thing would be to 

                   drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If                   anyone knows of a 

                   replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and                   install the replacement.

                   

                   Thanks for your replies.

                   

                   George Nielsen

                   RV-6 PH-XGN

                   The Hague,6-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV6-Listhttp://forums.mat Â  Â                      Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â                      &nbs//www.matronics.com/contribution"                     target="_blank">http://www.matronics.co==================

                   

                 

               

             

           

         	
       

	
     [b]

BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 3:46 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

The problem with your car was probably not the metal parts but any rubber that was associated with the A arm and a lot of cars these days do not offer the parts  to repair just a ball joint and mandatorily have you replace the entire assembly instead. As far as your plane is concerned I agree wholeheartedly with Charlie. It is very likely the culprit is the prep for the original assembly of your tank. Most of those  problems are, while sometimes a  pain to get at, you should be very able to make repairs, especially if you remove the tank and pressure check to make sure where the leaks are located. One other thing, be sure to use fresh proseal or equivalent. You would  hate to put that labor into a project like that and have it leak after! Good luck, Bob 

From: owner-rv6-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv6-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of George Nielsen

 Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 12:12 AM

 To: rv6-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: RV6-List: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank 

Charlie,

 Thank you very much for your reply! At least now I can sleep well.

 I asked because I had a leaking fuel tank in my car. This caused damage to the rear A-arm which had to be replaced.

 Thank you also for the instructions on how to remedy the problem with the fuel leak.

 George

 On 12/04/2015 23:21, Charlie England wrote: 

  	  Quote: 	

George,

 You can rest easy with your concerns over fuel damaging structure in the plane; that just won't happen. Water/salt/humidity, yes, but damage from fuel should be limited to paint and trim items (possibly fairings, if you use ethanol laced fuel). Remember, the  tank itself is aluminum and is exposed to fuel constantly.

 FWIW, I fly a -4 that was built in the early '90s, and it's had fuel leaks several times in both tanks; some bad enough to actually drip fuel while sitting in the hangar. There's never been any permanent damage, except to paint. While it's 'better' to re-seal  the tanks on the inside of the tanks, sometimes better is the enemy of good enough. If the leaks are located in areas not visible with the tank mounted and fairings in place, they can often be fixed by careful cleaning of the external surfaces/joints and applying  the new sealant over the offending rivet head or seam. I've done this successfully on both of my tanks. Both had leaks at the corners where the end rib, skin, and back baffle converge, and also around the inboard nose attach bracket (angle). By removing every  bit of the exposed sealant, cleaning and scouring the areas with acetone/scotchbrite pads, cleaning again, and applying new sealant, I was able to stop all the leaks. Remember, the actual pressure on the external sealant will be incredibly small, as long as  it's firmly attached to the aluminum all the way to the pinpoint or 'knife-edge' line of the leak(s). The existing leaks are almost certainly the result of improper cleaning and prepping of the joint prior to applying the sealant when the tank was built or  repaired.

 Charlie

 On 4/12/2015 3:41 PM, George Nielsen wrote: 

  	  Quote: 	

Thank you for your reply, Jay.

 Last time, which was years ago, I removed the wing fuselage fairing. But as I had drained the fuel prior to doing so I did not see any leak. As I discovered today the damages caused presumably by leaking fuel I did not remove the fairing. I do not have aileron  boots, just the normal rubber seals and fairings.

 My nightmare: leaking fuel may have caused damage to the structure, to the spar or something. This did not happen last time. I was wondering if that could happen this time.

 George

 On 12/04/2015 20:38, Jay Pearlman wrote: 

  	  Quote: 	

Have you removed the wing fuselage fairing and looked for leaks there. Do you have aileron boots and other seals between the wings and the cockpit? Maybe you can  give us an idea of your configuration? 

Jay Pearlman 

From: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org> (genie(at)swissmail.org)

 To: rv6-list(at)matronics.com (rv6-list(at)matronics.com) 

 Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2015 10:54 AM

 Subject: RV6-List: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank 

 --> RV6-List message posted by: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org (genie(at)swissmail.org)>

 Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this resulted in the 

 dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the outside by a company. 

 It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas and fuel which 

 contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the problem. Until late 

 last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the cockpit. I sealed and 

 tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.

 Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing root some paint has 

 flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode. I was told that 

 this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one cannot see any 

 dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank. When I filled a lot 

 of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the smell in the cockpit 

 got stronger.

 Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long term, to solve or at 

 least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest thing would be to 

 drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If anyone knows of a 

 replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and install the replacement.

 Thanks for your replies.

 George Nielsen

 RV-6 PH-XGN

 The Hague,6-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV6-Listhttp://forums.mat                     &nbs//www.matronics.com/contribution" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.co==================

   	  Quote: 	

   	  Quote: 	
		    _-============================================================_-=          - The RV6-List Email Forum -_-= Use the Matronics List Features Navigator to browse_-= the many List utilities such as List Un/Subscription,_-= Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ,  	
0  	  Quote: 	

1  	  Quote: 	

2  	  Quote: 	

3  	  Quote: 	

4  	  Quote: 	

5  	  Quote: 	

6  	  Quote: 	

7  	  Quote: 	

8  	  Quote: 	

9  	  Quote: 	

0  	  Quote: 	

1  	  Quote: 	

2  	  Quote: 	

3  	  Quote: 	

4  	  Quote: 	

5  	  Quote: 	

6

BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 3:46 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George I will look and see what I have and get them to you!



--

BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 4:24 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George, I couldn't find any pictures of my own fuel tank problem, but this picture that I got off the net (I hope that is not a problem )illustrates the areas that I had trouble with. The gasket under the access cover leaked (probably because I installed it dry originally) and then the other area which is at the bottom of the picture is where I had the most problem. This is where the bracket to tie the tank to the fuse is installed. i was able to remove the access cover (after removing the tank from the wing) and as Charlie said clean it, scotchbrite it, clean it some more and reproseal. This after you've pressure tested the tank to verify where the leak is. Make sure that you seal the screws that fasten the access cover on the tank as those have been known to leak if not sealed. 

Cheers!



--

dsc05436.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

214.7 KB

Viewed:

7910 Time(s)

jay.pearlman(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 11:16 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George,

The newer instructions for the RV say that the cover with the fuel gauge should not have a gasket, but should be pro sealed. The pro sealed cover should bee able to be removed with a heat gun if necessary. I suggest that you look on the vans air force forum. There are many discussions for rising leaks and many are from experience. VAF Forums

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

VAF ForumsDoug Reeves' VAF Forums - Where fans of Van's Aircraft kitplanes hang out on the web.



View on www.vansairforce.com

Preview by Yahoo



 



  



        From: "Schroeder, Bob (Parts Clerk)" <BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com>

 To: "'rv6-list(at)matronics.com'" <rv6-list(at)matronics.com> 

 Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 5:24 AM

 Subject: RE: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

  

 

George, I couldn't find any pictures of my own fuel tank problem, but this picture that I got off the net (I hope that is not a problem )illustrates the areas that I had trouble with. The gasket under the access cover leaked (probably because I installed it dry originally) and then the other area which is at the bottom of the picture is where I had the most problem. This is where the bracket to tie the tank to the fuse is installed. i was able to remove the access cover (after removing the tank from the wing) and as Charlie said clean it, scotchbrite it, clean it some more and reproseal. This after you've pressure tested the tank to verify where the leak is. Make sure that you seal the screws that fasten the access cover on the tank as those have been known to leak if not sealed. 

Cheers!



--

BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 11:39 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

Good call! Mine was done a number of years ago and I hadnâ€™t paid too much attention to the forums on that front. Thanks for the info for my own gratification.

From: owner-rv6-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv6-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jay Pearlman

Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 1:16 PM

To: rv6-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: RV6-List: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George,

The newer instructions for the RV say that the cover with the fuel gauge should not have a gasket, but should be pro sealed. The pro sealed cover should bee able to be removed with a heat gun if necessary. I suggest that you look on the vans air force forum. There are many discussions for rising leaks and many are from experience. VAF Forums<http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php>

[image]<http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php>

VAF Forums<http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php>

Doug Reeves' VAF Forums - Where fans of Van's Aircraft kitplanes hang out on the web.

View on www.vansairforce.com<http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php>

Preview by Yahoo

________________________________

From: "Schroeder, Bob (Parts Clerk)" <BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com<mailto:BSchroeder(at)rideuta.com>>

To: "'rv6-list(at)matronics.com'" <rv6-list(at)matronics.com<mailto:rv6-list(at)matronics.com>>

Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 5:24 AM

Subject: RE: RV6-List: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George, I couldn't find any pictures of my own fuel tank problem, but this picture that I got off the net (I hope that is not a problem )illustrates the areas that I had trouble with. The gasket under the access cover leaked (probably because I installed it dry originally) and then the other area which is at the bottom of the picture is where I had the most problem. This is where the bracket to tie the tank to the fuse is installed. i was able to remove the access cover (after removing the tank from the wing) and as Charlie said clean it, scotchbrite it, clean it some more and reproseal. This after you've pressure tested the tank to verify where the leak is. Make sure that you seal the screws that fasten the access cover on the tank as those have been known to leak if not sealed.

Cheers!

--

BARRY CHECK 6

Joined: 15 Mar 2011
Posts: 738

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:27 am Post subject: Fuel Leak Once More from Starboard Tank

George,



What a can of worms you just opened.  

What was the sealant used?

You can NOT seal a tank from the outside.  

You are, or maybe lucky...  There is a sealant that is NOT available in the USA thanks to our stupid EPA.  But is available over seas.  I am on the road so I do not have access to the spec. But if you look up PRC SEALANTS you will find a list of Mil Spec sealants.  Of course the good one is what is NOT available here in the USA.

It is not MOGAS resistant.

There is also a Automotive/Motorcycle sealant that is MOGAS resistant.  You could seal the tank from the inside with the Mil Spec stuff and then slosh the MOGAS stuff over that.

Barry



On Sunday, April 12, 2015, George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org (genie(at)swissmail.org)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  --> RV6-List message posted by: George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org>

 

 Four years ago my starboard fuel tank leaked. this resulted in the dripping of fuel. I had the tank sealed from the outside by a company. It is supposed to be able to withstand Avgas, Mogas and fuel which contains ethanol. This seemed to have solved the problem. Until late last year, when I noticed a smell of fuel in the cockpit. I sealed and tightened all the fuel lines. but this did not help.

 

 Today I noticed that at the lower aft starboard wing root some paint has flaked off. I am afraid that it has begun to corrode. I was told that this was caused by a fuel leak. At least this time one cannot see any dripping. However, I hardly dare fill up the tank. When I filled a lot of fuel in this tank I had the impression that the smell in the cockpit got stronger.

 

 Does anyone know what I can do, short term or long term, to solve or at least reduce this problem? I reckon that the simplest thing would be to drain this tank and only fly on the port tank. If anyone knows of a replacement tank perhaps I could remove my tank and install the replacement.

 

 Thanks for your replies.

 

 George Nielsen

 RV-6 PH-XGN

 The Hague, the Netherlands

 

 

 

 ====================================

 target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV6-List

 ====================================

 ">http://forums.matronics.com

 ====================================

 le, List Admin.

 ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 ====================================

 

 

 

 	


-- 

Sent from Gmail Mobile

  [quote][b]

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> RV6-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum