ProSeal cartridges for an RV-12iS tank

rv9builder · #1 08-05-2021, 12:08 PM

Has anybody built an RV-12iS fuel tank using 3.5-ounce cartridges instead of the usual quart container? How many cartridges did you need for the tank?

https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bi...roduct=proseal

Thanks,

Azjulian · #2 08-05-2021, 10:01 PM

You should only need one.

Vans have an excellent fuel tank build video they posted on YouTube - I would watch that first. You need a lot less than you think

BobbyLucas · #3 08-06-2021, 08:48 AM

I bought two cartridges but in hindsight wish I had gone with the quart. Once you mix the cartridge you have to work reasonably fast, which I apparently did not. When the first cartridge started getting hard to work with, I gave up for the day. Same thing happened with the second cartridge. I then ordered the quart and finished up the tank on my third session.

Piper J3 · #4 08-06-2021, 09:03 AM

Keep the unmixed ProSeal and hardener in a freezer to slow deterioration and increase shelf life.

rcarsey · #5 08-06-2021, 01:32 PM

I build two tanks. One with cartridges, the other with the cans. I had trouble using the cartridges (the 2-hour ones) because it started to get thick and unworkable a little too fast. If you get slower-cure cartridges, I think that'd be perfectly fine.

Don't be afraid of mixing the ProSeal yourself and making small batches at a time. A $20 scale from Walmart was all I needed.

DaveWelch · #6 08-06-2021, 09:49 PM

Go with the Quart. It doesn’t cost much if any more than 2-3 cartridges and there are a number of other places in the build where it is called out, recommended, or just darned handy. Also a good way to make new friends at your airport when they have an air or fuel leak!
2-cents
Dave

rv9builder · #7 08-07-2021, 12:39 PM

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the suggestions. After rethinking this, I think I'll go with the quart can.

NinerBikes · #8 08-07-2021, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv9builder

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the suggestions. After rethinking this, I think I'll go with the quart can.

A little late, but a fair amount of RV-12 builders just buy the tank built and Pro sealed already from Van's, to avoid this.

rv9builder · #9 08-07-2021, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerBikes

A little late, but a fair amount of RV-12 builders just buy the tank built and Pro sealed already from Van's, to avoid this.

Premade tanks are always an option, but I enjoy building. Working with fuel tank sealant isn’t the most pleasant task, but I built the tanks for my 9A, and they came out fine, so I think I can build the tank for the 12iS. I used a quart can for the 9A, so I was thinking about trying the cartridges, but after hearing the pros and cons, I think I’ll go with the quart can again.

FlyingDiver · #10 08-07-2021, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerBikes

A little late, but a fair amount of RV-12 builders just buy the tank built and Pro sealed already from Van's, to avoid this.

For $900 I'll spend a couple days doing the tank...