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frans(at)privatepilots.nl
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 Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 5:37 am Post subject: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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Dear friends,
In my fuel tank I have cut two small openings for fuel sensors. Serious
fuel leaks started to develop, so I have removed the sensors to have a look.
What I discovered is that in the area around the cut outs the tank wall
has become swollen and seriously distorted.
I remember some discussion on this forum about the treatment the fuel
tank received, that this treatment was only on the surface and once you
cut a hole in the tank the fuel can reach the unprotected material. I
tank mogas and the ethanol in it doesn't help either.
The question is now, what should I do? Is there any way to rescue the
affected material, or should I cut it out?
If I cut out the area, I have a new cut and will face the same problem
but on a larger scale, unless there is some way to treat the newly cut
opening. If I make a new cut, how can I prevent it from happening again?
Of course, replacement of the fuel tank is something I want to avoid at
all costs (and even then, I want to have fuel sensors in the new tank so
I will have to deal with the same problem anyway).
Is there any quick fix possible? This is the flying saison and I don't
want to spoil it if there is a way to postpone a more long lasting
repair until the winter.
Thanks in advance for some great ideas,
Frans
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kheindl(at)msn.com
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| Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:07 am Post subject: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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Hi Frans,
Making a larger opening in the tank is a very good idea anyway for future inspections. My tank was never treated but is till in very good nick. However, the back wall had buckled inwards, even when it was still almost new. I have now installed internal braces to hold it in shape.
For your problem I can only suggest what I would do: make the larger opening, large enough so that your arm can go in, treat the affected area with Perma Seal fuel tank sealer, and close it again with your sensors in place. I made a gasket out of fuel resistant 3mm rubber.
Cheers, Karl
| Quote: | Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:36:44 +0200
From: frans(at)privatepilots.nl
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Europa-List: Fuel tank sensor opening problem
--> Europa-List message posted by: Frans Veldman <frans(at)privatepilots.nl>
Dear friends,
In my fuel tank I have cut two small openings for fuel sensors. Serious
fuel leaks started to develop, so I have removed the sensors to have a look.
What I discovered is that in the area around the cut outs the tank wall
has become swollen and seriously distorted.
I remember some discussion on this forum about the treatment the fuel
tank received, that this treatment was only on the surface and once you
cut a hole in the tank the fuel can reach the unprotected material. I
tank mogas and the ethanol in it doesn't help either.
The question is now, what should I do? Is there any way to rescue the
affected material, or should I cut it out?
If I cut out the area, I have a new cut and will face the same problem
but on a larger scale, unless there is some way to treat the newly cut
opening. If I make a new cut, how can I prevent it from happening again?
Of course, replacement of the fuel tank is something I want to avoid at
all costs (and even then, I want to have fuel sensors in the new tank so
I will have to deal with the same problem anyway).
Is there any quick fix possible? This is the flying saison and I don't
want to spoil it if there is a way to postpone a more long lasting
repair until the winter.
Thanks in advance fo==
|
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Remi Guerner
Joined: 14 Dec 2010
Posts: 284
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| Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:44 pm Post subject: Re: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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Frans,
Could you please sends pictures?
Remi
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richard collings
Joined: 08 Jul 2011
Posts: 73
Location: warwickshire england
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| Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 5:54 am Post subject: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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Hi Frans
I suggest you contact LAA and ask them for a copy of Mod 10602 which Ian
Rickard had approved. This mod introduces a flange plate and seal assembly
into the top of the tank. The important thing is that the flange seal is on
the inside of the tank so no fuel contacts the out side or the cut edge.
Hope this helps
Regards Richard
Europa xs Tri-gear 45hrs
--
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Fred Klein
Joined: 26 Mar 2012
Posts: 503
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| Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:29 am Post subject: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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On Jul 1, 2013, at 6:53 AM, richard wrote:
| Quote: | Hi Frans
I suggest you contact LAA and ask them for a copy of Mod 10602 which Ian Rickard had approved. This mod introduces a flange plate and seal assembly into the top of the tank. The important thing is that the flange seal is on the inside of the tank so no fuel contacts the out side or the cut edge. Hope this helps
Regards Richard
Europa xs Tri-gear 45hrs |
All,
Though still just a the builder, I'm following this topic w/ keen interest and full sympathy for flyers who are experiencing fuel tank leaks and deformation. When I read about the introduction of tank mods such as #10602, am I correct in assuming that work of this nature is done AFTER slicing off the top of the CM, say, 1/2 inch down from the top flat surface?...or perhaps after slicing off one of the head rests, say 1/2 inch up from the top flat surface of the CM?
Also...long ago I installed the Europa capacitance fuel gauge PRIOR to installing the tank in the CM. (At the time I was astounded to read the instructions' claim that it is possible to install the gauge AFTER installing the CM by working thru the access hole in the side of the head rest...I salute anyone who managed to do that!)
If I recall correctly, the installation included an internal flange plate which I now surmise should prevent fuel contacting the cut edge...much appreciation if anyone can confirm this.
Fred
A-194
[quote][b]
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frans(at)privatepilots.nl
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:43 am Post subject: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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On 07/01/2013 04:29 PM, Fred Klein wrote:
| Quote: | If I recall correctly, the installation included an internal flange
plate which I now surmise should prevent fuel contacting the cut
edge...much appreciation if anyone can confirm this.
|
I did not have the internal flange. I just riveted 5 anchor nuts to the
tank and assumed this would be plenty for such a small surface.
Well, it is not. I now have made an internal flange myself and hope that
with the tank wall locked in between the sensor cap and internal flange
that it won't leak anymore. Still the fuel can access the cut line but
as this has already happened I'm not sure whether it makes sense to seal
it now. Also, you need 5 holes through the tank wall to attach the whole
thing, making it even harder to achieve a leak free fit.
So, I will leave it as is and if it doesn't leak anymore I'm happy with it.
Frans
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ptag.dev(at)talktalk.net
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| Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 7:05 am Post subject: Fuel tank sensor opening problem |
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Hi! Fred
My oval hole cut in the tank top is protected by the plate internally and a silicone seal round the edges and I have had no problems of the swelling kind except I had a leak once from the pressure “head” by leaving a column of fuel right up the “cobra” filler over night . Better attention to the silicone casket and more intelligent filling seem to have prevented a repeat. No one advised me to ensure that the cut edge should be kept free from fuel contact. However early tanks had to have fuel stored and so be encouraged to “ swell” prior to installation into the fuselage/cockpit module over a period of many weeks restrained by a strong frame surrounding it. So movement can be expected but by arranging suitable clamps and tight fixings I would have thought would restrain the swelling anyway. My Kit No is 337 but I know that a number of builders have suffered split tanks . I believe likely caused by letting the tank dry out after the impregnation by fuel . Keep fuel in and such swelling stays stable. (I think !)
Regards to all in strife !
Bob Harrison. G-PTAG
From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Fred Klein
Sent: 01 July 2013 15:29
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Fuel tank sensor opening problem
On Jul 1, 2013, at 6:53 AM, richard wrote:
Hi Frans
I suggest you contact LAA and ask them for a copy of Mod 10602 which Ian Rickard had approved. This mod introduces a flange plate and seal assembly into the top of the tank. The important thing is that the flange seal is on the inside of the tank so no fuel contacts the out side or the cut edge. Hope this helps
Regards Richard
Europa xs Tri-gear 45hrs
All,
Though still just a the builder, I'm following this topic w/ keen interest and full sympathy for flyers who are experiencing fuel tank leaks and deformation. When I read about the introduction of tank mods such as #10602, am I correct in assuming that work of this nature is done AFTER slicing off the top of the CM, say, 1/2 inch down from the top flat surface?...or perhaps after slicing off one of the head rests, say 1/2 inch up from the top flat surface of the CM?
Also...long ago I installed the Europa capacitance fuel gauge PRIOR to installing the tank in the CM. (At the time I was astounded to read the instructions' claim that it is possible to install the gauge AFTER installing the CM by working thru the access hole in the side of the head rest...I salute anyone who managed to do that!)
If I recall correctly, the installation included an internal flange plate which I now surmise should prevent fuel contacting the cut edge...much appreciation if anyone can confirm this.
Fred
A-194
| Quote: | | http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List |
01234567
[quote][b]
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