Gasket or proseal

Rivethead · #1 07-02-2009, 01:20 PM

I'm about to button up my tanks and I'm torn between using the cork gasket and possibly some sealant or just using proseal and being done with it. I've noticed on a few threads that touch on the subject that some people go the proseal route, in fact it seems to be the norm, I just want to get some input before I do something that is so permanent. Well, I know that proseal isn't permanent but for my prefered effort levels it might as well be.

scard · #2 07-02-2009, 01:40 PM

I vote proseal only. The gasket will eventually leak. Don't let anyone fool you, the proseal only panel can be opened up without too much headach. I've done it a couple of times.

McFly · #3 07-02-2009, 02:31 PM

I had a cork gasket shrink and then leak after I put the plane away for a couple of weeks. The tank was nearly dry so the gasket was not getting bathed in gas. Don't worry Safety Police; I was easily FAA compliant when I landed.

On another note: You have such limited access with the wings attached, I would not (and didn't) use then phillips screws to attach the plate. I used hex head but bolts will work as well. Good luck.

TSwezey · #4 07-02-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scard

I vote proseal only. The gasket will eventually leak. Don't let anyone fool you, the proseal only panel can be opened up without too much headach. I've done it a couple of times.

ditto. .

mototopo · #5 07-02-2009, 02:36 PM

I used Proseal only and tested the tank with the baloon method. Five days later the baloon was still inflated as the first moment.

ClayR_9A · #6 07-02-2009, 02:59 PM

When I first built my tanks, I used proseal to seal the access hole. I've had those tanks off and open several times now, so you likely WILL have to open them at some point. It wasn't too hard to remove the cover even with the proseal.

However, the next couple of times I've used the cork gasket BUT I've slathered it on both sides with fuel-lube first (also known as EZturn) and they stay in good shape that way. Don't reuse the gasket.. order new ones.

No leaks either way.

allbee · #7 07-02-2009, 03:07 PM

I vote proseal. I had to go into one tank before I installed the wing, because I did a bonehead on the vent line. Still the cover come right off and cleaned up nice with a razor blade, scraped sideways with MEK. I vote proseal, no worries.

rvbuilder2002 · #8 07-02-2009, 03:18 PM

An important data point that should be included when provide information on this type of subject (I did such and such and has hasn't leaked) is to provide informatyion about how long it has actually been in service with no leaks.

I install all covers exclusively with tank sealant. Just about guaranteed to not leak.
Install them with gaskets...just about guaranteed to (eventually) leak.

One important detail to keep in mind so that the cover is easily removable if using tank sealant to install access covers and fuel level sensors is to not fully tighten the screws. You need to tighten just enough to get squeezout around the full perimeter and leave an approx. 1/32" thick gasket of sealant between the cover and the tank. This will make it easy to tap a putty knife, etc., between the cover and the tank to pop it off.