Fuel Tank Sealing

[Dave Qualley]

I sealed up my first fuel tank with ZERO problems.. Doing everything
the same on the 2nd tank, I have a small leak somewhere.. I've
pressurized the tank and done the soapy water test all over the
outside.. I did find a couple pinhole leaks around the stringers, and
I've resealed them..

However I still have a small leak, it takes about 30-45 seconds for the
latex glove to deflate.. I have to suspect that the leak is along the
top of the tank where the tank skin is sandwiched between the main spar
and the leading edge skin. I'm assuming this because it's the only
place that I can't access to check for leaks..

How does the sloshing compound that I've heard about work? I'm starting
to think that this might be my next option..

Dave
#057SR




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[LisaFly99]

In a message dated 12/12/01 11:57:33 AM Central Standard Time, dqualley@shaw.ca writes:

How does the sloshing compound that I've heard about work? I'm starting
to think that this might be my next option..

Dave
#057SR

DAVE

DON'T SLOSH.... I sloshed one of my wings and I would think about it every time I put fuel in it. And EVERY time I flew it. Was the fuel contaminated with some auto gas, did the tanker haul any ethanol on it's last run??? They say there's sloshes that a re compatible to auto & 100LL, But the worry isn't worth it!
Pro seal makes a paintable sealer that I'm sure someone on this list has used and can give you some feed back on.
Also putting in an assess hole on the bottom of the wing is no big deal. You'd just join the elite group of Rebel owners that have been there done that.

Phil&Lisa Smith
#460R
N414D

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[O & B Johnson]

Dave I have been there also. 1st wing O.K. and 2nd had a couple of leaks. I
found them with a listening devise with slight air pressure to create a very
light unhearable hiss-hence the listening device. I did have to cut two
access holes in the bottom of the wing, now barely noticeable after riveting
hatches back on. I only would use and recommend proseal as I am sure Wayne
will inform you.-Bob J Rebel"652" Flying.




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[Legeorgen]

Dave,

If you want to slosh, (and I've sloshed before with no problems) slosh
several pieces of scrap aluminum and put them in a jar with different fuels,
including fuel you know has alcohol. Pull them out every few months and poke
and scrape them to check for deterioration. My Randolph sloshing compound has
held up well for 12 months.

Bruce G 357R




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[Ralph Baker]

Pro Seal has a "brush grade" material available from;
Seal Pak
2614 South Hoover
Wichita, Kansas 67215

phone: 316-942-6211

The label data from my container is:
CS3204 A2
Mil-S-8802F TYII

This not exactly runny but is much easier to spread than the "peanut
butter" consistency. Useful for sealing small holes and working through
access openings as well as a"paint over" for extra security when initial
sealing. Besides, it gives you another chance to get Pro Seal on
everything in the shop in addition to the tank.
Yours in the "Heartbreak of Pro Seal"
Ralph Baker
Elite 624E (reserved)



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[klehman]

FWIW I lost interest in sloshing compound when the PRC rep advised that
it was only recommended for a temporary (get home) repair. Sounds weird
but that's what he said. I guess you then throw the tank away on a
Cessna :(
Only takes about a half pint or so to paint all the seams with the
brushable proseal on a standard Rebel. I used acid brushes cut to about
1/4".
Ken

Dave Qualley wrote:





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