Van's Air Force
The definitive Van's Aircraft support community! Buying, building or flying an RV? Join our exclusive family of mentors and enthusiasts!
Fuel leak in the wing
- Thread starter jquayle
- Start date
That's been leaking for a loooooong time. On a positive note, it probably doesn't leak if the tank is under half full. 
The first step I'd be taking is to disconnect that fuel line and closely inspect the flare on the end of the tube. You might find it's an easy fix if the fuel line is either cracked at the flare or poorly flared. After that I'd be looking closer at the sealing of the AN bulkhead fitting. Overall, not a big job at all.
The first step I'd be taking is to disconnect that fuel line and closely inspect the flare on the end of the tube. You might find it's an easy fix if the fuel line is either cracked at the flare or poorly flared. After that I'd be looking closer at the sealing of the AN bulkhead fitting. Overall, not a big job at all.
And if that doesn't allow you access (it should) then van's sells a cover kit so you can cut a hole in the back baffle and access the bay before resealing and closing it up. I have had to do this twice, once for a poorly flared line, once because the pro seal around the vent had a pinhole in it. It's amazing how very little space liquid needs to work its way out.
I’d replace that fuel quantity sending unit at the same time just for the Halibut
That's been leaking for a loooooong time. On a positive note, it probably doesn't leak if the tank is under half full.
The first step I'd be taking is to disconnect that fuel line and closely inspect the flare on the end of the tube. You might find it's an easy fix if the fuel line is either cracked at the flare or poorly flared. After that I'd be looking closer at the sealing of the AN bulkhead fitting. Overall, not a big job at al
Van’s website has a fairly good search engine. It is useful, but since it took me less than 30 seconds to use it and find what you are asking for! Click on this link:
Fuel Tank Repair Kit Cover And Rivets
I wouldn’t bother with cutting a new hole. You already have a very large hole right next to the leaking fitting. Should be very easy to repair through that hole. If this plane has some miles on it, i would consider halibut eaters
recommendation to replace the sender while you have it out.
As others mentioned, you have a lot of access once you take the end plate off. I have resealed many tanks and fixed simple leaks such as yours. You need to fully understand cleaning and re-sealing process before trying it yourself, though there is plenty of intel right here on this site. Here are a couple shots of various access, as well as a sloshed tank that had to be fully striped. The -10 tank was a QB tank with a leaking vent line and required an access plate on the baffle to get inside. The -4 tanks needed a full open up to de slosh. Yours is likely the fitting not sealed or the end rib not sealed , and should be reachable with the end plate/pickup removal.
Attachments
You might also want to check that the Service Bulletins are all up to date while you are in there, and make a log book entry.
https://www.vansaircraft.com/servic...ons/?aircraft=rv-7&doctype=all&sort=undefined
These come to mind.
www.vansaircraft.com
www.vansaircraft.com
https://www.vansaircraft.com/servic...ons/?aircraft=rv-7&doctype=all&sort=undefined
These come to mind.
N Anti-Rotation Bracket - Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes
Fuel Pick-up Tube Anti-Rotation Bracket
www.vansaircraft.com
SB 11-9-13 - Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes
Fuel Tank Slosh Inspection
www.vansaircraft.com
