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leaking fuel inside the wing

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WurlyBird

Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 207
Location: North Pole, Alaska

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 3:13 pm Post subject: leaking fuel inside the wing

So after a month of being grounded, mostly due to waiting on a new windshield, I finally got everything back together and went flying today.  I soloed the Kitfox by the way.  As I was taking the plane apart I noticed some streaking emanating from the leading edge spar.  After the plane had sat in the garage for an hour I noticed a small puddle of fuel under the lower mount for the wing support.  It seems that fuel is leaking inside the wing and going down hill along the front spar, toward the fuselage in flight and toward the jury strut mount while folded.  There is about a gallon and a half in this tank so it could have sloshed, but there is no evidence that it came out any where near the gas tank cap. 



Is there any possibility that there is a problem that can be fixed with out replacing the fuel tank?  It seems like the only real possibility is that there is a small leak some where near the front of the tank.  Any other thoughts?



Incidentally, I can not believe how absolutely awesome the KF3 handles solo with low fuel.  She is a completely different animal then when almost at gross.  I can see I am gonna get my ticket and then not want anyone to fly with me

_________________
James
Kitfox 3 / 582 / 70" IVO 2 blade GA
50 hrs on the 582 swapping for HKS 700E and Avid Cowl.

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject: leaking fuel inside the wing

What kind of tank is it? The aluminum tank in my Model 2 is famous for

leaking at the leading edge seam, most pronounced if the wing is folded.

Sloshing with Kreem fixed it for me, although the proper fix is to replace

it with a ethanol-resistant poly tank, which is on my to-do list.



Bob Brennan - N717GB

ELSA Repairman, inspection rated

1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox taildragger

Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop

Wrightsville Pa



--

lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 3:59 pm Post subject: leaking fuel inside the wing

James,



Sounds like a bit of time with a wing off and sloshing with Kreem.  But 

first you will want to carefully examine the fuel system before that chore 

is started to make sure it is necessary.   When re-sloshing, remember to 

pre-rinse with acetone, keeping in mind that this process tends to produce a 

bit of out gassing and you will want to vent periodically.



To close the filler neck while sloshing use a different cap that seals well 

so you won't Kreem the one you intend to fly with.  Also cover and tape up 

all exposed surfaces on the wing so any spilling won't kill your paint job. 

A couple of helpers is a good idea as well.



Lowell

---

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 4:25 am Post subject: Re: leaking fuel inside the wing

James, 

If your tank is leaking then replace it . Sloshing is not the answer. 

Mc bean sells new tanks but i not sure what is involved in replacing with them. 

I have a Kitfox 2 to do soon and I pretty sure I will be using the wingtanks.com tanks    http://rotaxaircraft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=88



This 2 Kitfox has no wing tanks now so i not  sure what i have to do yet. 



If you have existing tank it looks easy --jut fits inside of existing tank ( you know the one that leaks now. )  looks like a fast solution  that will work though.

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WurlyBird

Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 207
Location: North Pole, Alaska

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:47 am Post subject: Re: leaking fuel inside the wing

They are fiberglass tanks, 2 x 6 gal.  I have pretty much come to the conclusion that replacing them is the thing to do, especially since the new tanks are ethanol resistant so that opens up more fueling options.  My primary concern is the fabric repair that will accompany the tank replacement.  Will I still need to take off the wings?  Am I just better off getting an A&P to do it?  I don't really feel like purchasing all the stuff to start spraying paint right now, especially not if I have to dish out about a grand for new tanks.

_________________
James
Kitfox 3 / 582 / 70" IVO 2 blade GA
50 hrs on the 582 swapping for HKS 700E and Avid Cowl.

WurlyBird

Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 207
Location: North Pole, Alaska

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:32 pm Post subject: Re: leaking fuel inside the wing

I checked out the Wingtank.com site and I like what I see. But I as well would like to hear some first hand experiences.  It claims that the tanks are installed inside the existing tanks but it the installation photos it shows the tanks being installed in just the wing.  I fear it sounds to good to be true.  Any one used these yet?

_________________
James
Kitfox 3 / 582 / 70" IVO 2 blade GA
50 hrs on the 582 swapping for HKS 700E and Avid Cowl.

Tom Jones

Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Location: Ellensburg, WA

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 5:57 am Post subject: Re: leaking fuel inside the wing

 	  Quote: 	
		  They are fiberglass tanks, 2 x 6 gal. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that replacing them is the thing to do, especially since the new tanks are ethanol resistant so that opens up more fueling options. My primary concern is the fabric repair that will accompany the tank replacement. Will I still need to take off the wings? Am I just better off getting an A&P to do it? I don't really feel like purchasing all the stuff to start spraying paint right now, especially not if I have to dish out about a grand for new tanks. 	




If you determine that the tanks need to be replaced, the original tank style would be the easiest.  The wings would need to come off.  two people can easily take the wings off.



I use a board padded on one end to prop up the wing tip, my wife holds on to the wing tip while I take the strut off and remove the wing to fuselage attach bolts from the spars.  Then we slide the wing off the attach lugs and set it on a sawhorse rack.  I guess the wings weigh about 50 pounds each.



Cut the fabric next to the tank top edges, and bottom edges if the fabric is attached to the tank bottom.  Use fishing line to cut the RTV between the tank and spars and out the tank comes.



You could then install the new tank and take the wing to someone who can replace the fabric over the tank bay.

_________________
Tom Jones
Classic IV
503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp
Ellensburg, WA

Kfyellowbird(at)cs.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:34 am Post subject: leaking fuel inside the wing

James

  I had a similar problem with a leak inside the wing with fuel running out the trailing edge.  Discover it was leaking from the lower site gauge fitting.  Removed fitting, applied some plumbers thread sealer.  ( find sealer that is resistant to petroleum products) End of leak.

 

 Lowell Schaper

 Kitfox Lite2 912S

 Installing Groves gear  [quote][b]

akflyer

Joined: 07 May 2007
Posts: 574
Location: Soldotna AK

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:39 am Post subject: Re: leaking fuel inside the wing

Fuel Lube is made just for sealing the fittings on fuel systems. Works great and does not get hard over time.

_________________
DO NOT ARCHIVE
Leonard Perry aka SNAKE
Soldotna AK
Avid "C" / Mk IV
582 (147 hrs and counting on the rebuild)
IVO IFA
Full Lotus 1450
#1 snake oil salesman since 1-22-2009

I would rather die trying to live, than to live trying not to die....

Fox5flyer
Guest

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:07 am Post subject: leaking fuel inside the wing

Where do you find Fuel Lube anymore?  I bought a tube of EZ Seal (or Lube, 

can't remember which) from ACC.  Comes in a pretty big tube that will last 

about 4 lifetimes.

Great stuff and exactly like Fuel Lube.

Deke

Please archive



 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Fuel Lube is made just for sealing the fittings on fuel systems.  Works 

 great and does not get hard over time.

 Leonard Perry aka SNAKE

Dick Maddux

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Location: Milton, Fl

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:48 am Post subject: leaking fuel inside the wing

Tite Seal also works great for that type of sealing. I used to use Fuel Lube in my Pacer fuel valve to lube the action. I supose it would also work as a sealant.

                                                             Dick Maddux

                                                             Pensacola,Fl

 Feeling the pinch at the grocery store?  Make dinner for $10 or less.

  [quote][b]

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