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Feul tanks

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CrownLJ(at)verizon.net
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:32 pm Post subject: Feul tanks

I know that aluminum tanks were used previously, and  discontinued to cracks.  Does anyone know how they were mounted and  installed? 

   The Great Lakes had the same problem, but was solved not by  going plastic or fiberglass; but by making the gas tank area between the spar  stiffer so the tank wouldn't flex with the stresses.  The Great Lakes as  you may know is an aerobatic airplane with about a 5'  fuel tank  occupying the center section.  I would think that if plywood under the  tank, between the spars would solve the problem for them, shouldn't it work for  our application as well?

   I am inclined to use aluminum tanks like most of the other airplanes  flying.  I envision cutting the top out of the existing tank, keeping the  bottom, sides, and the compression rib in place and making 2 adjoining  small tanks in the space that's left.  We are fortunate, as it is still  legal to use "real" gas here, and the farmers won't use ethanol, so at least for  the time being I'm ok.  I do have damage and an unusable tank in the left  wing, but I am hoping that I won't have to cross this bridge for some  time.  (still have 17 usg)

     Forgot to mention, I have an Avid, but assume that  the wing construction should be similar.  Knowing the risks of assuming - I  ask for your comments.

  

 Thanks,

 larry

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dosmythe(at)cox.net
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:01 pm Post subject: Feul tanks

Larry,

     Did I miss something?  Why  do you have one unusable tank?  What's wrong with it?

     After seeing some plastics fall  apart I also feel that plastic might not be the way to go.  If it comes to  a point that tanks "must" be replaced I think all options need to be laid on the  table.  Another option "might" be to cut open the tanks and completely  lay up the insides with new glass and an epoxy that is proven ethanol  safe (what ever that might be).  Laying up the tank interiors will make the  tank stiffer so don't know if this might add a problem?  

     One problem that might be bigger  than the tanks is the effects of Ethanol on everything else (fuel lines, alum,  carbs, filter, etc. et.)

     I have a feeling that we are a  bit over anxious about the effects of Ethanol but it is worth considering  for the future.  I can't believe our Government would do something that  might be harmful to us.  Hmmm, I'm retired Government.

  

 Don Smythe

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CrownLJ(at)verizon.net
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:38 am Post subject: Feul tanks

Don,

  

   One of my tanks is leaking bad enough that I don't use it and  removed the lines to avoid using it.  I don't know if it cracked or was  eatened by ethanol.  I've never had to use ethanol, but the previous  owner did.  When I got the airplane, the tanks appeared to be  weeping.  While disabling the tank, and pulling out the quantity  indicator, I looked into real good with a light under the tank.  It looked  like the was "divots" or just like if you poured gas on strofoam type of  texture on the bottom of the tank, and pushing from underneath, was  soft.  So I am assuming it is damage from ethanol.  I have considered  what I'll do when/if the other tank fails.  Currently, I have a 3 gal  plastic header tank (was a chemical applicator tank) and a 14 gal fiberglass  wing tank.  99.9% of my flying is local, so I try not to keep fuel in the  wing when it's not being used.  I typically  land with fuel only in  the header, and I refuel with as much as I think I'll need before going  flying.

  

 Larry

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dosmythe(at)cox.net
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:25 am Post subject: Feul tanks

Larry,

     I believe your description of  divits and softness is about the first I've heard.  I really don't want it  to be the fault of Ethanol for obvious reasons but can't come up with any other  thoughts as to what it could have caused that.  Maybe the original owner  soaked the tanks in MEK for a week to remove Kreem????

 Don Smythe

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