Fuel tank leak check?

rph142 · #1 10-20-2008, 06:03 AM

I am at the point where I can officially say my RV-3B wings done and ready for paint. Before I pack them up I want to leak check the tanks so I dont have any surprises when I go to fill up the tanks for the first time. Is there a preferred way to do a leak check? Im thinking about using the balloon method with some soapy water on the outside of the tanks. Thanks in advance.

Mel · #2 10-20-2008, 06:51 AM

Rob, The balloon method is the best in my opinion.
Use two balloons from the same batch. One on the tank and another separately. All balloons loose some air over time. By using two, you can compare them over several hours. If the one on the tank goes down faster than the separate one, you need to look for a leak.