Jump to content

Fuel Tank Weep


Recommended Posts

My aircraft uses a composite fuel tank.

 

I burn 95/98 RON very very  rarely AvGas 

 

At the top of the tank there is a circular metal plate that houses/contains the fuel gauge sender mechanism, and the three fuel pipes (Main, Aux & Return).

 

The plate is secured by many screws. I assume (never dismantled it) that  it is a "sandwich" type securing sealing system, utilizing a  gasket and/or sealing compound.

 

Recently I have noticed that this structure has developed a small fuell weep, with a brown sticky stuff oozing from the area that is weeping.

 

I would like to effect a good repair.

 

All suggestions welcome, with particular advise regarding suitable fuel resistant sealing compounds.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks M61A1 - checked out your suggestions. I have no doubt that they would do the job very well BUT the cost $$$$$.

 

I would need to measure the plate but my estimate is its about a 100mm diam circle - I would hope for a much less costly solution.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I helped repair a leak in a top inspection hole on a wing.

 

It had a cork gasket. We cleaned it well with acetone an applied a sealant from an automotive store.

 

It was called "something" putty. I was worried it was going to be thick like muffler putty but was more like thick silicone. Worked well.

 

I'll try and find full name.

 

"Downunder, from rainy Tassie!"

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought some rubberized cork gasket material (1.5mm) to use as a cushion / anti-rub separator between the oil tank and the bracket it sits on.  Cost me about $20 for a roll of it, certainly enough to get a few 100mm circles out of.  As far as I know it's fuel/oil resistant.  Got it from a local engineering place.

 

Ring around - someone will have a solution.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This stuff is the answer to any oil or fuel leak, in anything mechanical. Been around for yonks, still can't beat it.

 

https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/gasket-sealants/permatex-form-a-gasket-no-2-sealant/

 

That's my man! - about $12  - even I can afford that and I probably already have some cork gasket sheeting lying around that might make a new gasket.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Permatex is indeed a great fuel resistant sealant. I used it on all of the threads etc in fuel line nipples from fuel pumps and I have never had a problem. Without it even though the brass fittings have tapered threads they leaked.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Skippy, some composite gasket material (nitrile bonded, rubberised cork) could be a better choice than just plain cork gasket.

 

Plain cork is good for vibration and noise reduction, but the composite of cork and nitrile rubber is particularly good at stopping weeps.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...