Very disappointed with fuel leaks in a pre-assembled fuel tank a friend of mine purchased from Van's for his RV-12. I flew the first 10 hours on his airplane with half-full fuel loads (approx 10 gallons). Never had a leak until we filled the tank on a final test flight. With the increased fuel load we began experiencing leaks at the outboard aft corner of the fuel tank, and at two of the rivets near the bottom drain.
We removed and opened the tank to inspect the inside and were shocked at how little proseal tank sealant was used by the Van's assemblers. The suspect corner of the tank pulled away from the aluminum with no resistance, and it was evident that little scuffing had been done to the corner.
Poor quality control by Van's, in my opinion. Considering the RV-12 fuel tank is in the fuselage with the pilot, I would think extra care would be used in the factory assembled tanks.
We removed and opened the tank to inspect the inside and were shocked at how little proseal tank sealant was used by the Van's assemblers. The suspect corner of the tank pulled away from the aluminum with no resistance, and it was evident that little scuffing had been done to the corner.
Poor quality control by Van's, in my opinion. Considering the RV-12 fuel tank is in the fuselage with the pilot, I would think extra care would be used in the factory assembled tanks.