If worse comes to worst, Jerry, on page 4 0f this thread, "Chuckster" said he'd build one of these tanks, and leak test it for $200. It might be worth it ,to prevent the aggravation- just a thought. SteveI reworked my fuel tank today. I used the qt. sealant can and mixed it 10 to 1 using a weight watchers scale for the weight proportions. I have a hunch my sealant will never set up. I must have messed up again. A note came with the qt. sealant
"that it will take up to 3-7 days to cure and will remain soft for up to 30 days in cool weather ... be patient! Van's"
The little jars and caulking tubes of sealant I used before, set up in about 2-3hours. I'll give this stuff a few days and see if anything begins to set up. Here's hoping it does eventually set up and then doesn't leak.
I'll be very surprised and happy if all goes well. May just have to build another tank.
Several people have expressed an interest in eliminating the window. Has anyone actually done it yet? If so, did it solve the problem of leaking?
I visited the Zenith factory last November and saw some beautiful welded aluminum fuel tanks. They were feather light and I can't see how they would ever leak. I don't want to start a controversy, but if Zenith can do it why not Vans? Am I missing something?
Why not take it to your local Heli arc guy and have it welded? I plan on welding mine if I can talk my DAR into it being better and safer.
RV-4 flying
part five:
re tested and the glass still leaks at the same place. Have purchased new glass components from Van and will go back to the beginning. Pull top, (2nd time) remove glass and goop and install new glass with sufficient goop between the glass and tank (I hope). Will also pull access plate at front (2nd time) as putting the vent tube clamps back on when re assembling the top is a bear if that isn't done.! Will have to wait for new top rivets to re assemble. Will re test and post results in about two to three weeks.
The really interesting part about all this is I expect that I may finish the airplane completely in two to three weeks and not have a usable tank by that time.
I will remain positive in my outlook to encourage the gremlins in the tank to co-operate.
Dick
Yep, I'm on 37-05 rev 3, which specifies 4 washers per screw. I did get the screws in the care package but no washers (as noted by Jerry previously). I'll go with one washer per screw from my stock of AN960-6, and defer applying more goop until tomorrow, in case anyone else thinks 4 are required.
Thanks...Keith