Pro-Seal vs. Gasket

Mark Dickens · #1 09-17-2013, 04:05 PM

I'm just now getting around the Vans Service Bulletin re: fuel tank anti-rotation bracket (my tanks were built in 2000) and have seen some builders talk about sealing the access panel with Pro-Seal instead of replacing the gasket.

I'd rather just replace the gasket because it seems to me that Pro-Sealing the access panel would just make it even more difficult to open it up later if needed, but if there's a good reason to take the Pro-Seal route, I'd like to know why.

Can anyone shed light on this?

Jerry Fischer · #2 09-17-2013, 04:07 PM

Proseal not a problem. Cork gaskets seep over short time, sealing my RV1 wings and fuel sender with proseal as we speak.

DaveO · #3 09-17-2013, 04:31 PM

Jerry,
Prosealing the tank will cause you problems in the future. That is if you wish to remove the object you are securing. Remember how good of a job proseal does to the tanks to seal the corners and seams? Does that proseal ever come off?
That is what is suppose to do. Stay stuck! But to remove proseal? not me. There are other very good sealants that you can use on the tank, and not leak.
Think about it. In fact if you do a search about it on this forum you will find the issue tried already.
Dave

YellowJacket RV9 · #4 09-17-2013, 04:37 PM

I read somewhere that there is a less adhesive version of pro seal that some has used for the access plate, that will seal but be easier to remove. Maybe somebody had more info on that. I just used the regular stuff, and hopefully never have to remove it, but it will be doable if needed.

Chris

Ironflight · #5 09-17-2013, 04:57 PM

I had to remove an access plate that had been pro-sealed in place.

Took about ten minutes. It's a lot easier than some think, and I hate fuel seeps/leaks....

RV6_flyer · #6 09-17-2013, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davoakes@att.net

Jerry,
Prosealing the tank will cause you problems in the future. That is if you wish to remove the object you are securing.

--- snip ---

Dave

I disagree.

No issue removing a cover installed with ProSeal IF you know how to do it.

I have taken the Rear Close out off of both tanks on an RV-4 and was able to reuse the Rear Close out. I have had both access covers off my RV-6 tanks twice since they were built. Once before I flew when I thought I did not tighten the pickup then again to perform the Service Bulletin on the fuel pickups.

To remove any cover that has been installed with ProSeal, use a Putty Knife with the blade as Parallel to the tank and cover hit with a hammer. Use the putty knife as a KNIFE to cut the seal. DO NOT Pry the cover off with anything.

I have only seen one gasket that had not leaked. Over time, it may have leaked. My RV has been flying 16-years and over 2,740 hours. I may not have seen ALL RV Problems, but I have seen my share.

Mark Dickens · #7 09-17-2013, 05:31 PM

Sounds like Pro-Seal is the answer....

LifeofReiley · #8 09-17-2013, 05:45 PM

Van's actually sells pro-seal remover. Works Great!

DaveO · #9 09-18-2013, 05:01 PM

I stand corrected
dave

dhammer · #10 09-19-2013, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowJacket RV9

I read somewhere that there is a less adhesive version of pro seal that some has used for the access plate, that will seal but be easier to remove. Maybe somebody had more info on that. I just used the regular stuff, and hopefully never have to remove it, but it will be doable if needed.

Chris

Try PR-1428 Low Adhesion Access Door Sealant