Fuel tank upgrade

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Includes: Highlander, Escapade, Summit and SuperSTOL.
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SheepdogRD
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Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by SheepdogRD »

Doc_dyer wrote:why the aluminum cover? why would one need to gain access more than fiberglass tanks ?
I don't think we need to access metal tanks any more than fiberglass tanks, but they're bolted in, and it's good engineering practice to provide a way to inspect them to see that the bolts are tight. I guess the bolts could be safetied, and the tanks covered with fabric, at least on the Highlander; fitting inspection plates might be tricky.
Doc_dyer wrote:how does the leading edge of metal cover attach ?

On the Highlander, there is an aluminum bracket that runs along the front spar. The metal cover is fastened with machine screws to nutplates in the bracket.
Doc_dyer wrote:is there a low point drain to remove water ?
There are no lowpoint drains on the wing tanks. One reason is that these would be located on the bottom at the rear inboard corner; they'd be very close to the doors when the doors are open. They'd also be likely to drip gasoline on occasion, and gasoline would damage the Lexan doors. Although the rear feed line of the tank isn't at the low point, it's close, and the header acts as a sump that collects water and miscellaneous crud. There is a lowpoint drain on the header.
Richard Holtz
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation

If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
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alan
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Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by alan »

Bringing this thread back to the top seeing that the topic has come pack up.

Alan
If I had known I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself.
patrick.hvac
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Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by patrick.hvac »

alan wrote:Bringing this thread back to the top seeing that the topic has come pack up.

Alan
Thanks for the help Alan. Much appreciated.
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alan
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Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by alan »

You're quite welcome Patrick. Glad to help.

Alan
If I had known I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself.
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FlyerChief
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Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by FlyerChief »

Just as a matter of interest...
Has anyone with the new aluminum tanks noticed any galvanic corrosion between the tanks and the brass strainer?
The aluminum tank is relatively much more anodic than the brass, so it would normally experience more corrosion on the threads where the strainer threads in.
It is possible that because the aluminum tank is so much more massive than the brass fitting that it won't experience any concentrated corrosion but I'm interested in finding out if anyone has noticed any corrosion during their annual inspection when the strainers are removed, inspected and cleaned.
Thanks,
Dan
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. ~Henry Ford
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BDA
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Location: Kenai Alaska

Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by BDA »

I have had a small nagging fuel leak that comes and gos and was hoping it was just overfilled. But it got worse, so I pulled my right tank, and found a pinhole leak on a weld seam.

Word to the wise - fill your tanks with fuel before installing and watch for leaks.

I did not find it with presure and soapy water.
SuperStol XL Alaskan With Titan 340
N331AK. Shawn Taplin
Wing extensions,Symetrical Airfoil tail ribs (NACA 21)
Mods in progress: Heavier struts, Double slotted flaps
Goal: 15mph no wind
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BDA
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Location: Kenai Alaska

Re: Fuel tank upgrade

Post by BDA »

Update

There was a 3” crack starting at a weld stopping point

My Epoxy primer was filling most of it.

Tank is back in again.

One thing to add

On the superstol, the tank mount angle is so short that the rear mount hole on both sides will NOT be accessable through the lightening hole in rib UNLESS you drill them at the VERY END. I mean 1/32 frome the edge. Even then just barely visible.

This is important for installation, but even more important for removal.
SuperStol XL Alaskan With Titan 340
N331AK. Shawn Taplin
Wing extensions,Symetrical Airfoil tail ribs (NACA 21)
Mods in progress: Heavier struts, Double slotted flaps
Goal: 15mph no wind
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