Planning initial leak test with water. Think that is the typical method.
Why not test it with air? Put a couple of PSI in the tank and spray the outside with soapy water, any leaks will cause bubbles to form.
Sure, no bad in the initial try. But should I go
on and insist on real 100LL test?
Yes, Water has a much higher surface tension than 100LL. While it might not leak with water it doesn't mean that it is still 100% leak proof. You would be much safer to do the final test with either properly regulated air or 100LL.
The initial test with Water should be fine to test for larger leaks. If there are any of descent size then water will still leak.
Yes, Water has a much higher surface tension than 100LL. While it might not leak with water it doesn't mean that it is still 100% leak proof. You would be much safer to do the final test with either properly regulated air or 100LL.
The initial test with Water should be fine to test for larger leaks. If there are any of descent size then water will still leak.
Ok second question: is 95 octan as good as 100LL
for real tank testing
Test with fuel. Water contaminates the tank. If you price by the bottle, fuel is cheaper. When you are finished put the fuel in your car its not wasted. Still do air test, per Van's instructions.
As previously discussed, test with a liquid that won't foster the transfer of ions and is one of the strongest universal solvents... Use air (best), or gasoline (at least useful).
Guess I'm planning on bucking some of the advice given in this thread.
Currently I think I'm in about the same place as Roman. Tanks are built but have not installed the back baffle. I have been waiting for weather to warm up (no freezing overnight) before I fill my tanks with water and leak test them.
Cap off all fuel and vent ports, install fuel cap, and fill with as much water as possible. (maybe add food coloring). Put tissue paper on outside of tank rivet lines to "detect" any possible water leaks. Let sit 24 hours max?
Once successful I can drain, clean and dry tank before installing baffle. At this point I can do an air pressure test as recommended by vans (Balloon test?)
If that is successful, I will declare success until just before first flight when I will hopefully be able to test with 100LL (or whatever replacement comes out. HA!).
Don't have any way to store 100LL in my garage and don't want to put a large quantity of fuel in an open container (unfinished tank) for any length of time. Don't want all those gas fumes. Totally see the points others have made, but not sure it's practical (at least for my situation).