Re: Leaky Fuel Tank

[mcclurebill@rocketmail.com]

'I've been pursuing a fuel leak in my 24G wing for some time. I've tried sealant of various makes applied to the outside of the tank in the areas where it is obvious fuel is coming through the tank. The area in question is in and around the pressed-out sump on the bottom of the tank, where the inboard fuel pick-off is located. I've noted the same issue on other, un-mounted tanks. It seems a combination of time and perhaps moisture collection in that area contributes to the erosion of the aluminum in the thinned-out area formed when the aluminum was pressed to make the sump.

I can't be the first to have encountered this problem, and I'm about ready to bite the bullet and cut the fabric to get the tank out of the wing, and send it out for repair. Trouble is, since the area that should be replaced is the sump and perhaps a few inches surrounding, that pressed-out area will have be made and welded in, a bit more complex than just welding in a flat piece.

I'm wondering if anyone has had the same problem, and if I could get a recommendation to a shop that could tackle this?

Thanks in advance.

Bill McClure
Cape Cod, Mass.'

[David Stroud]

'Giday, Bill. Not sure if a trick like this one I heard a few years back may apply, but sealant can be
applied to the outside of a tank and vacuum applied inside to suck it in and it may find the offending
cracks, orifices etc.


David Stroud Ottawa, Canada
Christavia C-FDWS
Fairchild 51 replica
under construction C-FYXV

----- Original Message -----
From: mcclurebill@rocketmail.com
To: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2011 4:54 PM
Subject: [fairchildclub] Leaky Fuel Tank



I've been pursuing a fuel leak in my 24G wing for some time. I've tried sealant of various makes applied to the outside of the tank in the areas where it is obvious fuel is coming through the tank. The area in question is in and around the pressed-out sump on the bottom of the tank, where the inboard fuel pick-off is located. I've noted the same issue on other, un-mounted tanks. It seems a combination of time and perhaps moisture collection in that area contributes to the erosion of the aluminum in the thinned-out area formed when the aluminum was pressed to make the sump.

I can't be the first to have encountered this problem, and I'm about ready to bite the bullet and cut the fabric to get the tank out of the wing, and send it out for repair. Trouble is, since the area that should be replaced is the sump and perhaps a few inches surrounding, that pressed-out area will have be made and welded in, a bit more complex than just welding in a flat piece.

I'm wondering if anyone has had the same problem, and if I could get a recommendation to a shop that could tackle this?

Thanks in advance.

Bill McClure
Cape Cod, Mass.






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'

[Leighton, George]

'Hi Bill



I had the exact same problem last fall. I cut the fabric and pulled the
tank out. I took it to a local shop here in the Seattle area. He is a
certified FAA repair shop. He welded a patch over the sump area that was
leaking and I also had him weld a patch over the other sump just in
case. I did not want to have to pull the tank again. My tank was fabric
covered so it was a little more of a hassle. I would think that any
approved repair shop in your area could handle the repair.



George



From: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
mcclurebill@rocketmail.com
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2011 1:55 PM
To: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [fairchildclub] Leaky Fuel Tank





I've been pursuing a fuel leak in my 24G wing for some time. I've tried
sealant of various makes applied to the outside of the tank in the areas
where it is obvious fuel is coming through the tank. The area in
question is in and around the pressed-out sump on the bottom of the
tank, where the inboard fuel pick-off is located. I've noted the same
issue on other, un-mounted tanks. It seems a combination of time and
perhaps moisture collection in that area contributes to the erosion of
the aluminum in the thinned-out area formed when the aluminum was
pressed to make the sump.

I can't be the first to have encountered this problem, and I'm about
ready to bite the bullet and cut the fabric to get the tank out of the
wing, and send it out for repair. Trouble is, since the area that should
be replaced is the sump and perhaps a few inches surrounding, that
pressed-out area will have be made and welded in, a bit more complex
than just welding in a flat piece.

I'm wondering if anyone has had the same problem, and if I could get a
recommendation to a shop that could tackle this?

Thanks in advance.

Bill McClure
Cape Cod, Mass.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]'

[Aaron Smith]

'You are right, most likely the whole bottom of the sump is rotted, that's
the bad news. The good news is we can form and weld a new sump for you. When
we are done with the work, we pressure test it for leaks and provide a log
book entry for you.

For more information on my shop look at www.overallaircraftservices.com

Jeff Paulson, Overall Aircraft


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]'

[mcclurebill@rocketmail.com]

'George:

Thanks for the reply. I'd like to talk to you about the method you used on the tepair and fabric work. Could you drop me a number I could reach you at my email "burnmcc"at"aol.com ?

Thanks.

Bill McClure

--- In fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com, "Leighton, George" wrote:
>
> Hi Bill
>
>
>
> I had the exact same problem last fall. I cut the fabric and pulled the
> tank out. I took it to a local shop here in the Seattle area. He is a
> certified FAA repair shop. He welded a patch over the sump area that was
> leaking and I also had him weld a patch over the other sump just in
> case. I did not want to have to pull the tank again. My tank was fabric
> covered so it was a little more of a hassle. I would think that any
> approved repair shop in your area could handle the repair.
>
>
>
> George
>
>
>
> From: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> mcclurebill@...
> Sent: Monday, May 30, 2011 1:55 PM
> To: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [fairchildclub] Leaky Fuel Tank
>
>
>
>
>
> I've been pursuing a fuel leak in my 24G wing for some time. I've tried
> sealant of various makes applied to the outside of the tank in the areas
> where it is obvious fuel is coming through the tank. The area in
> question is in and around the pressed-out sump on the bottom of the
> tank, where the inboard fuel pick-off is located. I've noted the same
> issue on other, un-mounted tanks. It seems a combination of time and
> perhaps moisture collection in that area contributes to the erosion of
> the aluminum in the thinned-out area formed when the aluminum was
> pressed to make the sump.
>
> I can't be the first to have encountered this problem, and I'm about
> ready to bite the bullet and cut the fabric to get the tank out of the
> wing, and send it out for repair. Trouble is, since the area that should
> be replaced is the sump and perhaps a few inches surrounding, that
> pressed-out area will have be made and welded in, a bit more complex
> than just welding in a flat piece.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has had the same problem, and if I could get a
> recommendation to a shop that could tackle this?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Bill McClure
> Cape Cod, Mass.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

'