[rebel-builders] Fuel Leak-fixed!
Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:00 pm
Thanks for the input guys.
I couldn't see a simple way of putting sealant on the outside and using
a vacuum. The idea of a pressure differential sounded good to me.
So I pored in about 3 ounces of mixed sealant at the front of #5 bay
then brushed it all around the area a pretty heavy layer. Next I
installed all the plates, applied duct tape and clecos to seal them up
(almost air tight), etc to seal up the fuel bay. I then taped a thin
glove to one fuel line to act as a gage of the pressure. Then I applied
about 1 to 2 psi air pressure through a regulator, rotated the wing
leading edge down and let it sit for about 8 hours. The glove expanded
just enough to get the wrinkles out, but not blow up like a balloon. I
did have some air leakage past the duct tape, but not a problem. I did
not hear any crunching or notice any bulging of the skins, that's a good
thing!
A few days later after the cure of the sealant I again added about 5
gallons of av. Gas and applied the pressure again---no leaks.
I am ready today to install the 6 access plates to the fuel bays, I will
use a low adhesion sealant as was suggested below, and Avex tank rivets.
Thanks to those whom offered advice
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
Ted Waltman
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 5:15 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: RE: [rebel-builders] Fuel Leak
Dick,
Brent Blue had fuel leaks which he was able to successfully seal using
the
method described below:
---------------
Ted:
"You can use a shop vac at low power and seal the hose up with duct tape
to
the fueling port. Not very eloquent but works. You don't want to put
too
much vacuum on the tank due to worries about collapsing it so leaking is
OK.
All you want is enough vacuum to suck in the honey consistency proseal.
The
ideal look would be for there to be some "mushroomed" proseal sucked
though
the leak, some in the leak it self, and some on the out side. Then,
turn
off the vacuum, wait 24 hours, and test. Last time I did it, it worked
great.
www.sealpakcoinc.com has it. I just ordered it from them and it is in
stock.
I think the honey one I ordered is the CS3201A. The women who took the
order is very knowledgeable so she will steer you correctly. You might
also
want to order some CS 3330B. It is the tank door sealant so if you ever
have to get the inspection doors off, you don't need to destroy the door
to
do it. Still has the same properties but not as stiff.
I order the stuff in the cartridge. You do not need a special gun to
use it
but is self mixes this way so it is neater. A bit more expensive but as
I
told Steve Culp, I am way pass the point of penny pinching!"
-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Wampach
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 2:58 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: RE: [rebel-builders] Fuel Leak
Any one familiar with fuel leaks? (SR-3500 60 gal tanks)
Two weeks ago I did the re-seal job on my left wing, added the 6 Murphy
provided access holes, (plates still off), and have waited for a
positive cure of the 890-2 sealant. I got brave this morning and added
6 gallons of av gas. As soon as I rotated the wing nose down a drip
started.
It is located at the front of the #5 may on the bottom just in front of
the filler cap. It seeps out from under the doubler plate at the lift
strut fitting aft inboard corner. Only have about 2-3" of fuel against
the front spar. No other leakage.
Has any one else had a leak at location?
Dick Wampach SR-108
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I couldn't see a simple way of putting sealant on the outside and using
a vacuum. The idea of a pressure differential sounded good to me.
So I pored in about 3 ounces of mixed sealant at the front of #5 bay
then brushed it all around the area a pretty heavy layer. Next I
installed all the plates, applied duct tape and clecos to seal them up
(almost air tight), etc to seal up the fuel bay. I then taped a thin
glove to one fuel line to act as a gage of the pressure. Then I applied
about 1 to 2 psi air pressure through a regulator, rotated the wing
leading edge down and let it sit for about 8 hours. The glove expanded
just enough to get the wrinkles out, but not blow up like a balloon. I
did have some air leakage past the duct tape, but not a problem. I did
not hear any crunching or notice any bulging of the skins, that's a good
thing!
A few days later after the cure of the sealant I again added about 5
gallons of av. Gas and applied the pressure again---no leaks.
I am ready today to install the 6 access plates to the fuel bays, I will
use a low adhesion sealant as was suggested below, and Avex tank rivets.
Thanks to those whom offered advice
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
Ted Waltman
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 5:15 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: RE: [rebel-builders] Fuel Leak
Dick,
Brent Blue had fuel leaks which he was able to successfully seal using
the
method described below:
---------------
Ted:
"You can use a shop vac at low power and seal the hose up with duct tape
to
the fueling port. Not very eloquent but works. You don't want to put
too
much vacuum on the tank due to worries about collapsing it so leaking is
OK.
All you want is enough vacuum to suck in the honey consistency proseal.
The
ideal look would be for there to be some "mushroomed" proseal sucked
though
the leak, some in the leak it self, and some on the out side. Then,
turn
off the vacuum, wait 24 hours, and test. Last time I did it, it worked
great.
www.sealpakcoinc.com has it. I just ordered it from them and it is in
stock.
I think the honey one I ordered is the CS3201A. The women who took the
order is very knowledgeable so she will steer you correctly. You might
also
want to order some CS 3330B. It is the tank door sealant so if you ever
have to get the inspection doors off, you don't need to destroy the door
to
do it. Still has the same properties but not as stiff.
I order the stuff in the cartridge. You do not need a special gun to
use it
but is self mixes this way so it is neater. A bit more expensive but as
I
told Steve Culp, I am way pass the point of penny pinching!"
-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Wampach
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 2:58 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: RE: [rebel-builders] Fuel Leak
Any one familiar with fuel leaks? (SR-3500 60 gal tanks)
Two weeks ago I did the re-seal job on my left wing, added the 6 Murphy
provided access holes, (plates still off), and have waited for a
positive cure of the 890-2 sealant. I got brave this morning and added
6 gallons of av gas. As soon as I rotated the wing nose down a drip
started.
It is located at the front of the #5 may on the bottom just in front of
the filler cap. It seeps out from under the doubler plate at the lift
strut fitting aft inboard corner. Only have about 2-3" of fuel against
the front spar. No other leakage.
Has any one else had a leak at location?
Dick Wampach SR-108
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