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  #11  
Old 11-30-2011, 10:53 AM
Dave Taylor's Avatar
Dave Taylor Dave Taylor is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 176
Default Baffle leak

What did you do to fix the leak? I am having exactly the same issue.

Quote:
Originally Posted by esjacoby77 View Post
I would suggest spraying the tank with soapy water (if you haven't already) and then pump in the air to ensure that there are no leaks. When I did my first leak test, the balloon only inflated like in your picture, but I found several small leaks along the baffle. Once the leaks were fixed, it still seemed like it took a lot of pumping, but the balloon suddenly started to inflate to full size.
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  #12  
Old 11-30-2011, 12:28 PM
esjacoby77 esjacoby77 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 131
Default cut some big holes in the baffle

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Taylor View Post
What did you do to fix the leak? I am having exactly the same issue.
The posts on my build log that detail the repair start here:
http://rv-7construction.com/2010/12/...repair-122110/

Basically, I cut 3" holes in the baffle for every bay that had a leak. I then resealed the tank skin/baffle joint with pro-seal by reaching in through the new holes (be generous with the sealant). Finally, I re-covered/sealed the new holes in the baffle using some 4" aluminum circles and closed-end blind rivets. Give it a week or more to dry, then re-test the tank.

A few others have detailed this repair on the forums as well. Once you get over the fear of cutting big holes in your baffle, the repair is relatively easy to do.

Good luck!
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  #13  
Old 12-01-2011, 09:23 PM
David Burkhardt David Burkhardt is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3
Default

I took my tanks to the local pool filled with air and pushed them under the water to look for leaks.
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  #14  
Old 12-01-2011, 09:46 PM
szicree szicree is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,061
Default

Did you pressurize the tank before submerging it? If not, I don't see how it would work. In fact, wouldn't water actually seep into the tank if there was a leak.
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  #15  
Old 12-04-2011, 05:29 PM
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Av8torTom Av8torTom is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Yardley, PA
Posts: 1,334
Default Balloon filled right away

I used my air compressor to pressurize my tank and the balloon filled immediately. The tank held pressure for 18 hrs before I ended the experiment. I suspect there are leaks in your tank. Spray with soapy water as others have suggested and look for bubbles. Also - remember to tape over the fuel cap.

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  #16  
Old 12-05-2011, 03:04 PM
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jsharkey jsharkey is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bennington, Vermont USA
Posts: 1,301
Default Bicycle Pump

I used a bicycle tyre pump. It didn't take long and there was no danger of accidentally over pressurising.

Jim Sharkey
RV-6
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  #17  
Old 12-05-2011, 04:27 PM
JimWoo50 JimWoo50 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Chicago sw suburbs
Posts: 395
Default why not use fuel?

After all it is a fuel tank and you don't have to fill it all the way up. I poured about a gallon into the tanks and stood them on end for a couple of days and then set it leading edge up for a while. Put them in the construction cradle leading edge down. Left them in the garage. Right next to the gas can for the lawnmower.
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  #18  
Old 12-05-2011, 04:29 PM
txnbuilder txnbuilder is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 66
Default

Someone already mentioned taping the fuel caps. I put the fuel caps inside a glove and then locked them in the openings.

Also, I found using a water manometer to be much easier than the balloon. The balloon will contract and expand with temperature changes, which you have to account for.

With the water column, you mark the water level when you start the test, and note the ambient temperature. You then wait until the next day, when the temperature is the same as when you started the test, and check that the water level is at the mark you drew the day before. If you are lucky, you can come back on day #3 and smile as the water is again at the same level

Here are some (mediocre) pictures:

http://rv7a.fabs-designs.com/2009/09...ing-the-tanks/

Good luck!

Luis
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