Poll: QB Tanks Leak or Not

SeanB · #1 10-23-2019, 12:42 PM

There are many posted conversations regarding QB fuel tanks leaking. There is very little about how many QB tanks did not leak. What is your experience with QB tanks? Leaking....or Not?

MED · #2 10-23-2019, 04:23 PM

6 months now. So far so good.

bobnoffs · #3 10-24-2019, 06:25 AM

just an observation but i think the failure rate of rv tanks is terrible. i have never had a new piece of equipment with an engine leak fuel from its tank. and this is in an airplane, not a lawn mower. i understand that assembly procedure is everything but maybe vans should be looking at something different.
how would you look at a surgical procedure with a failure rate of almost half after 6 months?

Plummit · #4 10-24-2019, 07:49 AM

The failure rate of QB tanks is almost a joke- except to the owners! The attitude at Vans (at least towards me) is probably best described as "aloof". I get the feeling that with the popularity of the RV series, they just don't care. If you don't like the failure rate, build your own.

Isn't it interesting that Vans is fairly silent on the subject? Scott, what's the deal? Is this even being addressed at the factory?

-Marc

rvbuilder2002 · #5 10-24-2019, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plummit

Scott, what's the deal? Is this even being addressed at the factory?

Yes, it is.
It has been, and will continue to be the highest priority focus detail regarding QB quality.

Two things that I hope people will keep in mind while discussing this issue. (And before anyone accuses me of down playing any issue they might have had, I am not. Just stating facts that should be be kept in mind by those that are interested in the subject)

QB kits have been available for a loooong time (first one was delivered sometime in 1994/1995 time frame I think). That coupled with the fact that the average completion time of even a QB kit is a few years, makes it clear that an issue that someone encounters recently, can be in tanks that were completed many years ago.

A sample count of 20 in a poll, out of 500+ QB kits produced (just a guess, it is probably double that or more), is not in any way going to give a reasonable indication of what the leak rate in QB fuel tanks is. That coupled with the fact that in the world of the internet, anyone that has ever had a problem with something is always willing to talk about it to anyone that will listen..... those that were totally pleased with something, rarely say anything.

bpattonsoa · #6 10-24-2019, 08:33 AM

QB RV-10, right wing vent “B” nut 1.75 turns loose. Leaked after first flight. Tightened thru fuel level port. Wings picked up mid 2012. Factory was informed and was helpful, but it took two days of frustration to tighten the nut.

Mousse · #7 10-24-2019, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpattonsoa

QB RV-10, right wing vent ?B? nut 1.75 turns loose. Leaked after first flight. Tightened thru fuel level port.

+1
Michel

Electrogunner · #8 10-24-2019, 09:26 AM

Scott,
is it really that much cheaper for Vans to outsource these QB's overseas with the shipping costs involved? Once you ship parts to them, ship the completed builds back, QC them in house and fix any issues with them. Then you have to store them because you get big batches of completed builds back to save on shipping. Seems to me the QC would be ALOT better if these were done in house and we probably would not be having this conversation right now.
I'm in the leaked after 6 month column. Mine started at about 7 months of use on a set of older quick builds.

Mark33 · #9 10-24-2019, 09:28 AM

After hearing so many stories about leaking Q.B. tanks, I decided to do a preemptive strike on my -7 tanks, and I sent them to Paul at Weep No More. He opened up the rear baffles and completely stripped the inside of the tanks. He then applied his sealing compound and closed the tanks up. He stopped short in saying that in his opinion if the tanks would have actually leaked or not, but he did say that the quality of the workmanship left a lot to be desired. His service is a little bit expensive, but I feel like I can sleep at knight now knowing that my tanks won?t leak.

Electrogunner · #10 10-24-2019, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark33

After hearing so many stories about leaking Q.B. tanks, I decided to do a preemptive strike on my -7 tanks, and I sent them to Paul at Weep No More. He opened up the rear baffles and completely stripped the inside of the tanks. He then applied his sealing compound and closed the tanks up. He stopped short in saying that in his opinion if the tanks would have actually leaked or not, but he did say that the quality of the workmanship left a lot to be desired. His service is a little bit expensive, but I feel like I can sleep at knight now knowing that my tanks won?t leak.

So the cost of your QB wings went up considerably. I would have a hard time eating that. IMHO.