Tim Olson
Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2879
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:50 am Post subject: Fuel Tanks - To Alodine or Not to Alodine - That is the Qu |
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I'd agree that corrosion inside the tank probably isn't a very
big concern. That said, my Beech's tanks were alodined inside,
so I found no reason not to take the time to do the step on
my RV-10. Even though the vapor should keep the O2 down,
tanks tend to collect moisture when heat/cold cycled, so
rather than leave it, I did them. No biggie if someone doesn't
want to. But, I think those who are concerned that there would
be some issue with residue in the future if you alodine
are probably a little over-reacting. Even if the stuff did
come off because someone didn't rinse it well, it's going to
mix with 30 gallons of fuel, and it'll be so small an amount
that it would have no effect on anything even if it flowed
through the system. It won't flake in large flakes that would
plug a fuel filter, and there's no realistic way that if you
do a normal final rinse that you should have to worry about
a negative effect. You can always spray and wipe with a
rag a few times too when it's fully dried if you really want
to try to get all of it off.
Alodining can be an unnecessary process for some, and it's surely
not something that should be proposed as a "Gotta do" except in
some specific situations. but when done properly, in *most* cases
there is only good that can come from it.
Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying
do not archive
Vernon Smith wrote:
Quote: | Stephen,
I agree with your reasoning about corrosion in the fuel tanks. This is
why the inside of my fuel tanks are not alodined. As far as the link in
my email to the previous discussion, I firmly believe no decision should
be made in a vacuum. That is want is so neat about this group, having
access to enough info to make an informed decision.
As far as future fuels I think there will be more problems with the fuel
tank sealant than the metal, alodined or not.
And as for age I'm 44 going on 29:)
Vern Smith (#324 just about ready for the cabin top)
do not archive
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Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:26:33 -0400
From: sblankdds(at)gmail.com
To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Fuel Tanks - To Alodine or Not to Alodine -
That is the Question?
Vernon,
I see it this way.... fuel is hydrophobic (does not like water),
so hard to corrode the metal when it has hydrocarbons next to it
most of the time. Also, if the tank is kept mostly full, there is
little O2 for oxidation. The risk of any alodine reacting with some
future gas product or coming off from a poor metal prep seems to be
a greater risk vs any benefit it may provide. My 1952 C-170b has
just Alclad aluminum in the tail cone and is still fine after 55
years (based in Florida, 1.5 miles from the ocean). How old are
you???? I am 49, and figure on flying 20-30 more years... if
lucky. The plane should out last me with no extra metal protection.
--
Stephen G. Blank, DDS # 40499 Building the tail cone
finally!!
184 NW Central Park Plaza
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
772-475-5556 >>> Cell
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