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-   -   Fuel Tank Access Panel (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=146685)

Drippy 02-14-2017 06:55 AM

Fuel Tank Access Panel
 
Things were moving to smoothly:-)

I added fuel to my tanks and found a seeping (very slow) leak from the inboard forward corner of the left tank. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3h...6=w699-h931-no

It was recommended to me that I add an access panel and fix the from the inside. Anyone add an access panel to the tank in the area of the wing walk?

Thanks

Mike
40644

supik 02-14-2017 07:45 AM

..not sure
 
..not sure, but maybe this post might help you: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...5&postcount=43

Guy Prevost 02-14-2017 12:30 PM

The builder of my RV-10 did a pretty poor job on the tanks. I had a leaky baffle and several weeping rivets. It was no big deal to cut access holes with a 5" hole saw. Van's sells cover plate kits complete with sealed end blind rivets. The hard part is finding the real location of the leak and cleaning it adequately.


Kyle Boatright 02-14-2017 02:43 PM

Guy, did you pull those tanks? Is that job as bad as I think it is? Any tips for others in your shoes in the future?

Jesse 02-14-2017 03:44 PM

Removing the tanks isn't that bad. The main thing is if you have the wings painted, use a paint cutter to score the paint before removing the screws so the paint doesn't chip.

Bluelabel 02-15-2017 10:02 AM

I did it
 
I had to tremove the tanks this summer after we go tback from Oshkosh. A funky bird strike that made a tiny dent under the wind right at the back edge of the tank and cause a small leak. A few hours to take off and another few to put back on for essentially a 5 minute fix.
The main issue for me is my wing non slip is painted on, so I had to dig out those screws, then get creative filling them after I put it back together.
A nice air ratchet really helps with all the bolts to the spar.

All in all, could've been worse.

Guy Prevost 02-15-2017 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright (Post 1150155)
Guy, did you pull those tanks? Is that job as bad as I think it is? Any tips for others in your shoes in the future?

It's not too bad. Wear long sleeves though.

RVbySDI 02-15-2017 10:16 AM

Here, let me go ahead and search this topic for you. . . Ok, done. Here you go:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...rchid=30281158
Lots of people have been there as well (including me) and have answered your question in these threads. Enjoy your time reading them.

The Nike slogan holds merit for this situation. If you are contemplating whether to cut a very large hole in your fuel tank to fix another hole. "Just Do It!"

Drippy 02-17-2017 06:06 PM

Tank removal
 
Guys,

OK 5 of 7 off 2 to go, not looking forward to finding the leak, thank for the help. Wish I had read the long sleeve hint before . . . chicks dig scars right:-).

TedsNumberOneSon 03-27-2017 07:14 AM

Nike Slogan
 
So the post in this thread pushed me over the top. After a long afternoon yesterday of despair having found enough leaks to classify my tanks as a sub with a screen door I started reading the threads and I am ready. Sealing on the outside won't get it done. And the panels and closure aren't the end of the world. Just more work.

I am still on the horns over the HF Aircraft Tool 5 inch hole saw or the ACS Hole cutter.

And I have searched the Van's Aircraft website catalog for the cover and rivet kit. Is it the one called COVER AND RIVETS
FUEL TANK REPAIR KIT for $8.10. I saw one photo where there was a doubler and nutplates. I suppose that is the second mile for maybe someday?

Thanks


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