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Fuel Tank Leak

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jeff(at)rmmm.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:39 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 

gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully 

aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere. 

It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit 

module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel.  I can't remember 

where the seams of the tank are but there must be one back there.  Has 

anyone else experienced this leak there?

I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that 

been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.



Jeff R.

A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for 

surgery.

topglock(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:54 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Dude!  What a drag!  And I thought I had problems with instrumentation 

and Auto Pilots.  WOW!  Ok, gut her and get her fixed.  You got about 

nine weeks...



Jeff - Baby Blue



JEFF ROBERTS wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 

 gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully aware 

 of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere. It's 

 looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit module 

 in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel. I can't remember where 

 the seams of the tank are but there must be one back there. Has anyone 

 else experienced this leak there?

 I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that 

 been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

 Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

 If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.

 

 Jeff R.

 A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for surgery.

 

 size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

 href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List 

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

 

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

grahamsingleton(at)btinte
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:08 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

JEFF ROBERTS wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 

 gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully 

 aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere. 

 It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit 

 module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel. I can't remember 

 where the seams of the tank are but there must be one back there. Has 

 anyone else experienced this leak there?

 I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that 

 been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

 Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

 If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.



 Jeff R. 

Jeff
	


there aren't any seams in the tank, it's rotomolded. A steel mould is 

heated and plastic granules poured in as it rotates. Not a very precise 

procedure but it usually works. I once saw a leaking tank, there was a 

sliver of tobacco moulded into the tank. Obviously fell in during the 

moulding process.

Graham

paul.the.aviator(at)gmail
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:14 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Gee Jeff, 



All I can say is that really sucks.  I and hundreds of others out there sure hope we don't have it happen to us.  



Paul



On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 4:31 PM, JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net (jeff(at)rmmm.net)> wrote:

 [quote]We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 gallons I started to search for a leak. 

 Jeff R[b]

rlborger(at)mac.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:13 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jeff,



Geeezzz.  That's awful   Really sorry to hear that.



Keep us posted on your efforts and any gotcha's you find.



I hope you can be back in the air by Rough River.



Take care,

Bob Borger

Europa Kit #A221 N914XL, XS Mono, Intercooled 914, Airmaster C/S

http://www.europaowners.org/N914XL

Aircraft Flying!

3705 Lynchburg Dr.

Corinth, TX  76208

Home:  940-497-2123

Cel:  817-992-1117



On Jul 13, 2009, at 17:31, JEFF ROBERTS wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5  

 gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully  

 aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere.  

 It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit  

 module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel.  I can't  

 remember where the seams of the tank are but there must be one back  

 there.  Has anyone else experienced this leak there?

 I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that  

 been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

 Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

 If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.



 Jeff R.

 A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for  

 surgery.

jeff(at)rmmm.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:36 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Okay, After some closer inspection it appears the fuel may be coming  

out of the side of the tunnel area about 4 inches from the bottom of  

the tank right where I bonded a nylon tab with the old re-dux during  

the build to hold a cable. Is it possible that could have weakened the  

tank in that spot and it's taken a few years for it to come thru.

Graham... maybe there was something in the molding of the tank like you  

said that created a spot leak.

I will check it tomorrow with about 5 psi of air pressure and some soap  

water on the spot, but here is a question.

If it is a spot leak and I can patch it what would be the best patch to  

use?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't want to gut her if I don't  

have to!!!! ;o((

Jeff R.

A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and climbing slowly.



On Jul 13, 2009, at 5:52 PM, Jeff B wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Dude!  What a drag!  And I thought I had problems with instrumentation  

 and Auto Pilots.  WOW!  Ok, gut her and get her fixed.  You got about  

 nine weeks...



 Jeff - Baby Blue



 JEFF ROBERTS wrote:

> We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5  

> gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully  

> aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere.  

> It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit  

> module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel. I can't  

> remember where the seams of the tank are but there must be one back  

> there. Has anyone else experienced this leak there?

> I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that  

> been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

> Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

> If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.

> Jeff R.

> A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for  

> surgery.

> size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

> href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List">http:// 

> www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List  

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

> www.matronics.com/contribution  

> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

> --

> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

hagargs(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:11 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jeff:; 



My tank split in underneath the  saddle area at an interface where I had a

fiberglass strap bonded in place.  Take note when pulling  the tank out you

will have most likely  to cut it and take it out piece by piece. You will

also get an idea of how much these tanks bulge warp and other wise move

around.  Which is why they get cracks in them.  Kit car tank manufacturers

have known about this for decades and  will not warrentee anything if  it

is  fiberglassed  in!

 	  Quote: 	
		   [Original Message]

 From: JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net>

 To: <europa-list(at)matronics.com>

 Date: 7/13/2009 3:41:59 PM

 Subject: Fuel Tank Leak



 We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 

 gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully 

 aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere. 

 It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit 

 module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel.  I can't remember 

 where the seams of the tank are but there must be one back there.  Has 

 anyone else experienced this leak there?

 I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that 

 been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

 Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

 If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.



 Jeff R.

 A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for 

 surgery.

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gregoryf.flyboy(at)comcas
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:34 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Hi Jeff,

Sorry to hear of your tank problems.



Tap plastics has a glue called 'TAP Poly-Weld Adhesive'

Unfortunately, it requires an open flame to use it. See their usage video,

link included below. Any use on a gas tank would have to be EXTREMELY well

thought out, and that is IF you can get a flame to the area to be repaired.

 

Windows media:



http://www.tapplastics.com/info/video_detail.php?vid 1&format=windowsmedia&



 Greg Fuchs XS TRI



_____________________________________



If it is a spot leak and I can patch it what would be the best patch to  

use?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't want to gut her if I don't  

have to!!!! ;o((

Jeff R.

A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and climbing slowly.

grahamsingleton(at)btinte
Guest

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:22 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

JEFF ROBERTS wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Okay, After some closer inspection it appears the fuel may be coming 

 out of the side of the tunnel area about 4 inches from the bottom of 

 the tank right where I bonded a nylon tab with the old re-dux during 

 the build to hold a cable. Is it possible that could have weakened the 

 tank in that spot and it's taken a few years for it to come thru.

 Graham... maybe there was something in the molding of the tank like 

 you said that created a spot leak.

 I will check it tomorrow with about 5 psi of air pressure and some 

 soap water on the spot, but here is a question.

 If it is a spot leak and I can patch it what would be the best patch 

 to use?

 Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't want to gut her if I don't 

 have to!!!! ;o((

 Jeff R.

 A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and climbing slowly.

Jeff
	


I would start by trying a weld. Use a warm soldering iron or similar. 

You need some scrap polyethylene for welding rod , not so easy unless 

you have any bits you cut from the tank? Practice on a piece of scrap 

first of course is a good plan.

Anyone have a disc they cut out of the top for a fuel gauge?

I don't know anything that would bond to polyethylene. Do you know of 

anything Bud? Some car maintenance people used to weld damaged car 

bumpers, you could ask their advice if you can find one. Not quite the 

same material though.

Graham

acrojim7534(at)YAHOO.COM
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 4:11 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jeff

 I repaired a small crack in the original tank in our monowheel when it developed a small crack on the back side of the tank.

 You need to make sure that the area is cleaned and sanded with 80 grit.Then I cleaned the spot on the tank with acetone, I used pro seal and covered the crack (which was about 1/2 inch long) with the pro seal. Then I took a piece of rubber sheet about two inches in diameter  and 1/8 inches thick)slathered pro seal on the rubber and put over the crack. I then slathered the pro seal over the whole patch. 

 Again make sure the tank is cleaned with acetone befor you start.

 Walk away let cure couple days, then put gas in tank and check for leaks..

 Jim Brown

--- On Tue, 7/14/09, JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	

From: JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net>

Subject: Re: Fuel Tank Leak

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 2:27 AM

 --> Europa-List message posted by: JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net (jeff(at)rmmm.net)>

Okay, After some closer inspection it appears the fuel may be coming out of the side of the tunnel area about 4 inches from the bottom of the tank right where I bonded a nylon tab with the old re-dux during the build to hold a cable. Is it possible that could have weakened the tank in that spot and it's taken a few years for it to come thru.

Graham... maybe there was something in the molding of the tank like you said that created a spot leak.

I will check it tomorrow with about 5 psi of air pressure and some soap water on the spot, but here is a question.

If it is a spot leak and I can patch it what would be the best patch to use?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't want to gut her if I don't have to!!!! ;o((

Jeff R.

A258 -  N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and climbing slowly.

On Jul 13, 2009, at 5:52 PM, Jeff B wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Europa-List message posted by: Jeff B <topglock(at)cox.net (topglock(at)cox.net)>

 Dude!  What a drag!  And I thought I had problems with instrumentation and Auto Pilots.  WOW!  Ok, gut her and get her fixed.  You got about nine weeks...

 Jeff - Baby Blue

 JEFF ROBERTS wrote:

> We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere. It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel. I can't remember where the seams of the tank are but there must be  one back there. Has anyone else experienced this leak there?

> I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

> Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

> If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.

> Jeff R.

> A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for surgery.

> size=2 color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

> href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Checkeailable via the Web nbsp;                   -Matt matronics.com/contribution" target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/contri================

            [quote][b]

kheindl(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 4:43 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jim C can you tell us more about this pro seal ? Who sells it C i.e. website info.



 



Thank you C   Karl

 



Date: Tue C 14 Jul 2009 05:00:13 -0700

From: acrojim7534(at)YAHOO.COM

Subject: Re: Fuel Tank Leak

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

Jeff

 

I repaired a small crack in the original tank in our monowheel when it developed a small crack on the back side of the tank.

 

You need to make sure that the area is cleaned and sanded with 80 grit..Then I cleaned the spot on the tank with acetone C I used pro seal and covered the crack (which was about 1/2 inch long) with the pro seal. Then I took a piece of rubber sheet about two inches in diameter  and 1/8 inches thick)slathered pro seal on the rubber and put over the crack. I then slathered the pro seal over the whole patch. 

 

Again make sure the tank is cleaned with acetone befor you start.

 

Walk away let cure couple days C then put gas in tank and check for leaks.

paul.the.aviator(at)gmail
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:12 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jeff,



If you want to take a shot at welding Harbor Freight sell 4 hot air plastic welding tools:

 

 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96712

 

 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96464

 

 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41592 

 

 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=67102

 

 Welding rod is available from http://www.arizonatools.com/detail/URE5003R6/



Paul

  [quote][b]

acrojim7534(at)YAHOO.COM
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:10 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Karl

 Pro seal is like a 2 part epoxy. Mix togather and apply.. It forms a rubber compound when cured. It is used in the a/c industry to install windshields, patch fuel cells.Etc. Van's recommends that Pro Seal be used when building and sealing the fuel tanks in their line of R V's.  Aircraft Spruce has it...Almost all the suppliers of aircraft parts, should have it.

 Jim Brown

--- On Tue, 7/14/09, Karl Heindl <kheindl(at)msn.com> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	

From: Karl Heindl <kheindl(at)msn.com>

Subject: RE: Fuel Tank Leak

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 12:37 PM

   #yiv1694235164 .hmmessage P { margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv1694235164 { font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;}     Jim, can you tell us more about this pro seal ? Who sells it, i.e. website info.

Thank you,   Karl

  Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:00:13 -0700

From: acrojim7534(at)YAHOO.COM

Subject: Re: Fuel Tank Leak

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

     Jeff

 I repaired a small crack in the original tank in our monowheel when it developed a small crack on the back side of the tank.

 You need to make sure that the area is cleaned and sanded with 80 grit..Then I cleaned the spot on the tank with acetone, I used pro seal and covered the crack (which was about 1/2 inch long) with the pro seal. Then I took a piece of rubber sheet about two inches in diameter  and 1/8 inches thick)slathered pro seal on the rubber and put over the crack. I then slathered the pro seal over the whole patch. 

 Again make sure the tank is cleaned with acetone befor you start.

 Walk away let cure couple days, then put gas in tank and check for leaks..

 Jim Brown

--- On Tue, 7/14/09, JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm..net> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	

From: JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net>

Subject: Re: Fuel Tank Leak

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 2:27 AM

 --> Europa-List message posted by: JEFF ROBERTS <jeff(at)rmmm.net>

Okay, After some closer inspection it appears the fuel may be coming out of the side of the tunnel area about 4 inches from the bottom of the tank right where I bonded a nylon tab with the old re-dux during the build to hold a cable. Is it possible that could have weakened the tank in that spot and it's taken a few years for it to come thru.

Graham... maybe there was something in the molding of the tank like you said that created a spot leak.

I will check it tomorrow with about 5 psi of air pressure and some soap water on the spot, but here is a question.

If it is a spot leak and I can patch it what would be the best patch to use?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't want to gut her if I don't have to!!!! ;o((

Jeff R.

A258 -  N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and climbing slowly.

On Jul 13, 2009, at 5:52 PM, Jeff B wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Europa-List message posted by: Jeff B <topglock(at)cox.net>

 Dude!  What a drag!  And I thought I had problems with instrumentation and Auto Pilots.  WOW!  Ok, gut her and get her fixed.  You got about nine weeks...

 Jeff - Baby Blue

 JEFF ROBERTS wrote:

> We'll after seeing my fuel run onto the floor today after I added 5 gallons I started to search for a leak. I'm now becoming painfully aware of the fact that it looks like my tank has ruptured somewhere. It's looking like around where the tank was glassed onto the cockpit module in the port rear inside portion of the tunnel. I can't remember where the seams of the tank are but there must be one back  there. Has anyone else experienced this leak there?

> I remember some talk of someone making an aluminum version. Has that been done anywhere that one might buy a duplicate?

> Looks like some major surgery coming up. (

> If anyone has a tank in the states I may be interested.

> Jeff R.

> A258 - N128LJ / Gold Rush 191 hours and now going to be down for surgery.

> size=2 color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

> href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Checkeailable via the Web nbsp;                   -Matt matronics.com/contribution" target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/contri================

 	  Quote: 	

 	  Quote: 	
		  http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List

ronics.com

ww.matronics.com/contribution

arget=_blank rel=nofollow>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List

=nofollow>http://forums.matronics.com

blank rel=nofollow>http://www.matronics.com/contribution

            [quote][b]

rparigor(at)suffolk.lib.n
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:46 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Hi JimHow long have you been using Proseal on your tank?Do you use 100LL or Mogas?Is it OK for additives and ethenol in Mogas?Thx.Ron Paerigoris "> Pro seal is like a 2 part epoxy. Mix togather and apply.. It forms a > rubber compound when cured. It is used in the a/c industry to install > windshields, patch fuel cells.Etc. Van's recommends that Pro Seal be used > when building and sealing the fuel tanks in their line of R V's.  Aircraft > Spruce has it...Almost all the suppliers of aircraft parts, should have > it."   [quote][b]

bberube(at)tampabay.rr.co
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jeff,

I agree with Graham that heat welding is the best but a fuel tank sealant

such as Pro Seal does stick to the plastic material.  It is best to put it

on the inside but that does require access causing a potential for another

leak.  I would try everything before pulling the tank, not a lot of fun.

Bob

Flight Crafters



--

erichdtrombley(at)juno.co
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:15 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

Jeff, 

The Tap plastics Polyweld looks like a very permanent solution.  Regarding your inquiry about ensuring no fuel vapors are present when flame treating the tank you may want to consider filling the tank with water, after disconnecting the fuel lines and isolating the tank of course. During the construction of N28ET I used water for the calibration of the sight gage.  I used 1 gallon milk jugs to fill the tank thus allowing me to tick off the sight gage in gallon increments.  When finished I simply drained the tank.  Keep the tank open for a couple of days and any residual water will evaporate.  Also, you mentioned that you might have to open up another hole to allow access for the torch.  Have you considered using one of those small pencil torches.  You don't require significant heat for the task and the exposure is only for a couple of seconds.  Good luck and keep us posted. 

Erich Trombley

N28ET Classic Mono 914

OSH bound in a week.     



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