More Fuel Tank PROBLEMS

[Steve McGowan]

I have another Sparrow Hawk with tank leakage problems.. Now the seal and seam adhesave is breaking down on a SH3.

Anyone with any info on tank bladers or any sure way to fix this problem,
PLease contact me. only thing I know that will repair it is Pro-Seal..

And again,,

Remove the caps and inspect the inner tanks for the JEFF Coat sealant coming off the walls and ceiling of the tanks..

Steve McGowan 478-461-1451

[gyroplanes]

Are seat tanks a possibility? I will offer a discount to the afflicted.

If the seat tanks were hinged, could the area under the seat be used for storage, like the McCulloch J-2?

I am not bum rapping RAF or Sparrowhawk, just the use of fiberglass fuel tanks. I had a early Brock fiberglass seat tank split open and douse me with gasoline in a hard landing. I was a spark away from a horribly changed life.

I STRONGLY recommend a fuel cell type bladder or insertion of a cross linked poly material tank inside the cavity, if seat tanks are not an option.

[lanichol]

Are seat tanks a possibility? I will offer a discount to the afflicted.

I STRONGLY recommend a fuel cell type bladder or insertion of a cross linked poly material tank inside the cavity, if seat tanks are not an option.

I am listening, but not sure I understand. Do you have a solution for the RAF/Sparrowhawk tank besides the bladder?

[Russ Hobbs]

Tom
I was thinking the same thing earlier today. Why couldn't the seat tank be tied into the existing fill neck and cross linked together like the original seat tank. Height would be the only real issue I can see with my limited experience.

[gyroplanes]

I am listening, but not sure I understand. Do you have a solution for the RAF/Sparrowhawk tank besides the bladder?

If I had an RAF or SH around to check, I would try a seat tank to see how it fits. A pair of my tanks would give you 15 US Gallons (I don't remember if that's more or less than stock).

They could have separate fillers for lateral balance when solo and a left-right-both fuel selector, like Cessna.
They could easily be vented and sumped outside.

If someone wants to try a pair, it's at no risk (other than shipping) as long as they are still saleable when returned.

[bmoore2156]

I have both tanks for my RAF
I have the fiberglass one installed, and I have the plastic one sitting in the garage.
I really like the comfort of the fiberglass tank. I too am worried about the tank leaking.
What about making an aluminum seat tank, like the fiberglass one? It would probably be lighter and it could be beefed up for more strength.
Any thoughts or ideas on this?
Brad

[Vance]

I have both tanks for my RAF
What about making an aluminum seat tank, like the fiberglass one? It would probably be lighter and it could be beefed up for more strength.
Any thoughts or ideas on this?
Brad

Hello Brad,

I offer a few thoughts on building fuel tanks.

I have built many aluminum tanks that leaked.

I would not try to build one now because I am out of practice.

If someone is familiar with building aluminum tanks they can usually build one that works well. It is not an easy skill to learn.

Most of the tanks I built were odd shaped and required fitting after welding so I would gas weld them because, in my experience, a gas weld holds up better under the hammer. Most people don’t have experience with gas welding aluminum.

The shape you require is not very complex so most of it could be made on a brake and TIG welded. Minimizing the number of seams is a useful design goal.

There are companies that will make a bladder for your custom tank that will increase both safety and weight. It complicates the build process and makes the project take longer but it is probably worth it.

I know of several RAF’s burning on impact and one SparrowHawk.

I wear a fire resistant nomex costume when I fly to lessen the damage from the first fireball. It will not protect me from a fire without a lot of additional stuff that makes it less comfortable.

Thank you, Vance

[Brent_Brown]

I would make a aluminum seat tank.

[MichaelBurton]

I am working with Nate Oldham at Airgyro to Build an insert for the SH1 and SH2-3. We have contact with an expert aluminum tank builder and are also looking into the possibility of using a fuel bladder. The cost would be high if we only build what we need for our aircraft.

The best option would be to get a count of those that will spend the money for the tanks so that we can get a better cost.

If you are interested send me a PM and I will get you on the list. I will need a phone number and for what version of SH you need the tank.

[Steve McGowan]

I'm not trying to BAD MOUTH GBA,, but for what these kits cost that should never have happened.. Stuff Happens,, "HOWEVER"

An "AD" should be sent out to all owners to stop flying and check they're Sparrow Hawk tanks..

I'm not in any way wanting someone to get hurt, But how the hell can and would you know if a leak started while in flight..

I grounded my SH until I completely inspected and was sure that it was safe after Terry Eiland and Bill Finnigan was killed..

Whatever happens,, PLEASE be careful and check your Sparrow Hawks Tanks..It will only take a few hours..
If Ya don't.. You may Never Live It down.

Steve

[skyking]

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/KeywordSearchCmd?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&langId=-1&N=0&Ntt=fuel+cells&Ntk=all&Nty=1&D=fuel+cells&Jnar=0&Ne=2%2B3%2B1147708&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Dx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&searchTerm=fuel+cells

Copy and paste link above into browser. This company makes fuel cells for automobiles. In the Sparrow Hawk the challenge would be to install these inside the existing fuel cells and maintain the integrity of the tops in order to mount the seat rails. Thoughts?

[BadAir Express]

While I was doing some research on this subject, I contacted Rotational Molding of Utah and explained the situation. The guy I talked to stated that GBA contacted them in the early days to produce a suitable plastic tank. I was told there would be an approx. $20,000.00 mold set up fee. Price of tanks? Depends on how many you divide into the 20 grand plus plastic... The other bummer. There are several types of machines that the tanks are just a little different. If someone can think of a way to make this useful, call me, we'll try. Until then, I like the beer can tank or bladder idea.

Curt

[JimGyro]

Here is a photo of my left fuel tank which shows the deterioration of the seal and seam adhesive. I have know doubt that it was caused from the ethanol fuel. My plan is to coat the tanks with pro-seal.

Jim

[MichaelBurton]

At this point I have received only two requests for the fuel tank replacement. If I don't get a few more it will not be a viable project. I will update all those that have made or make a request by PM as to the final status of the project.

[Russ]

Lots of boats have fiberglass tanks which are destroyed by ethanol. There is a marine grade fuel saver that is supposed to protect the tanks from ethanol damage:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=7854&familyName=CRC+Gas+Fuel+Stabilizer

It costs about $29 a gallon on one ounce treats five gallons of fuel.

[rkwill]

Fellows,

The experience of many of us that fly (used to fly) with fiberglass tanks in the wings or elsewhere is that fiberglass dissolves and sheds glass fibers. The resulting sludge and fibers get into the filters, the fuel pump, and the carb. The result is the quiet sound and unplanned dead stick landings.
Everyone I know is having to handle ethanol contaminated fuel.
Several of us have tried the (supposedly) ethanol proof sloshes for the fiberglass tanks. Such efforts routinely resulted in more dead stick landings.
Our only viable response has been to remove the fiberglass tanks and fabricate/install aluminum tanks.

Richard

[rkwill]

Fellows,

Regarding Stabilizer.
It is to stop fuel from deteriorating during long storage periods and to stop the ethanol from seperating from the fuel.
It is not advertised as having any fiberglass tank protection value.

Richard

[Hoges]

My SH has 540mm (21.25") clearance from the underside of the cabin to the ground and a cylindrical fuel tank 400mm in diameter and 500mm (2') long with hemispherical ends will hold as much or more fuel and than the fibreglass tanks and could be slung under the keel.
Just an idea.
Scott
________
Dc Medical Marijuana Dispensaries (http://dc.dispensaries.org/)

[MichaelBurton]

My SH has 540mm (21.25") clearance from the underside of the cabin to the ground and a cylindrical fuel tank 400mm in diameter and 500mm (2') long with hemispherical ends will hold as much or more fuel and than the fibreglass tanks and could be slung under the keel.
Just an idea.
Scott

Please be careful it will also lower the CG. The reason you have room under the landing gear is it was lengthened to raise the CG. You need the CG to be inline with the thrust to have a properly stabilized SH.

[okikuma]

A little over a year ago on another thread within our forum, I came across a video of a Continental O-200 powered RAF 2000. I'm fascinated over the method of mounting the Continental engine, and the external aluminum fuel tanks to his gyro. At that time, I was able to contact the owner of the specific RAF 2000 (Jimmy Meredith) and had a nice conversation with him last May. For what it's worth, I've copied and pasted my post below mainly to show his method of mounting his fuel tanks that others might be interested in and to evaluate as a possible alternative in solving their fuel tank problems when using ethanol based fuel.

Don't forget to watch the video.

Wayne
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earlier today, I spoke with Gillispie "Jimmy" Meredith about his Continental O-200 powered RAF 2000 gyroplane N2029E.

http://www.vimeo.com/2021802

Jimmy is a great guy to speak with and was very gracious to take the time and answer all my questions about his gyroplane. Thanks Tim for your assistance in locating Jimmy.

As I figured, Jimmy's RAF gyro empty weight is lighter than the equivalent Subaru powered versions. What is surprising is how much lighter. Jimmy tells me that his gyro's current empty weight is just under 620 lb.! That is a significant weight reduction! Here is a two place EAB gyroplane that is LSA compliant and can have a 700 lb. useful load! I forgot to ask Jimmy what is the specific gross weight limit he has set for his gyro.

The Continental engine is really an upgraded C-90 with O-200 crank and pistons. The engine does not have a starter or generator/altenator. Jimmy says he has set 2900 rpm as his max rpm limit and is for take off only. In cruise flight, he operates it between 2400 - 2500 rpm and cruises between 70 - 80 mph. Jimmy says that the cylinder head temps are a cool 325 degrees and oil temps never climb above 160 degrees. For extra insurance, he added an oil cooler and it sits down low and near the prop. The prop he is using is a 68" Warpdrive and says he has measured 430 lb. of static thrust. I mentioned to Jimmy that figure seams low for his gyro. When I said perhaps if he used an IVO prop, he could obtain 600 lb. of static thrust, he agreed and that is in consideration. The two fuel tanks are 5 gallons each for a total of 10 gallons and it is a gravity fuel system. He mentioned that he might add a small header tank down low to increase the capacity. Jimmy is also looking into a wind powered generator for electrical power. I suggested that he look at the Kutoba series of alternators for light weight electrical power.

When asked how well does the gyroplane fly compared to the Subaru powered RAF 2000s, Jimmy says it much easier and feels more stable, even though it is a HTL gyro and has no horizontal stabilizer. I did not ask if he is planning on adding one in the future. He said that he flies the gyro conservatively and most often solo. I asked how was the performance with a passenger and he said it was alright, however he has only flown down the length of the runway with a passenger. After more experimentation and work, he'll then fly a pattern and then a short cross country with a passenger.

When I asked Jimmy why the Continental engine, he said he just feels more comfortable flying behind a certified aircraft engine. He also said that he believes that the initial cost, operating expenses and 1500 TBO life of the engine is still cheaper than setting up, installing with all the associated hardware, water cooled system, PSRU, and maintaining the Subaru.

Doing some quick figuring, Jimmy's gyro with a 200 lb. pilot, full tanks and oil (68 lb.), and with a 30' rotor, the disk loading would be 1.26 lb. per sq. ft. Add a 200 lb. passenger, the disk loading would be a respectable 1.54 lb. per sq. ft. Not bad at all for a two place gyro.

I think Jimmy is moving in the right direction in owning and flying a useful two place gyroplane. Just think what the performance would be with a O-320 Lycoming powered Sparrowhawk?

I invite comments about what Jimmy has done. Those of you out there that want to dwell on how Jimmy's gyro is a HTL aircraft with no horizontal stabilizer, that is not part of the discussion here. I want to concentrate on the benefits or detriments between the use of an air cooled aircraft engine vs. the Subaru.

Thanks everyone,

Wayne

[HAWK PILOT]

I have been thinking about the fuel tank issue. It seems that most of you agree that the ethanol in the auto fuel is the problem. I have a lycoming O-235 in my tomahawk. This engine is notorious for lead fouling. I use TCP by alcor to scavenge the lead. I have been using this for seven years and believe it or not, I have not fouled a single plug in this whole time. The TCP is cleared for use in certified aircraft. There is another product that is only for use in experimental engines called "Decalin". I also have some experience with this as well. (TCP occasionally goes on back order) Decalin has the same active scavenging agent as the TCP, but is not volatile as TCP. Therefore it is less of a problem to ship. Both products are readily available through aircraft spruce. My question is, why not run 100 LL and use either decalin or tcp to prevent the lead issue. Is there another reason that I am not aware of to not use 100 LL in the subaru engines.

[gyroplanes]

I used to maintain flight school airplanes and had my fill of fouling plugs in the O-235 Lyc.
I found that if I rotate the plugs, top to bottom, at each oil change, I never had a plug foul again.
The lower plugs foul, so I rotate them to the upper side where they clean themselves before they get too bad.
Since you are waiting around for each can of oil to glick in, try it....it worked for us.

[HAWK PILOT]

The TCP has completely eliminated the fouling issue for me. That is why I think that with the use of TCP or Decalin it might be possible to use 100 LL exclusively in the subaru and thereby avoid the issues with ethanol in autofuel causing breakdown of the fiberglass tanks.

[Steve McGowan]

Fouling of pluggs and 100LL won't run continous in a sub pawered gyro.. The injectors will also foul with the Low Lead in the fuel.

Originally I believe I started the thread about Sparrow Hawks gas tanks breaking down from what the hell is doin it..

I personally believe that the setup was not used to build the tanks safely enough . But who the hell am I.. Just the Dummy not wanting somebody burned to death because of a Dollar..

[HAWK PILOT]

Thanks Steve , just an idea. Is the enalapril helping Boo's cough?
Donnie

[Steve McGowan]

Haven't gotten it yet,,

Thanks

[MichaelBurton]

New news on fuel bladders for SH. I got an estimate back on the fuel bladders. The initial setup cost would be about $2000.00 USD. After that each tank would be close to $200.00 USD. If I get 10 sets ordered that would make the cost around $400.00 USD. for each tank.

If you have an open SH fuel tank it would help if you could give me the exact dimensions and layout of the tank. My tank is sealed and in use. This could impact the cost estimate. What I have is from the sales dept and is a very crude estimate.

So my question is who would spend the money. If you are still interested contact me by pm or phone. If I do not get more than ten committed people I will consider the project canceled.

[HAWK PILOT]

I have both of my tanks open right now. I will get the dimensions this weekend.
Donnie

[MichaelBurton]

Thanks, If you cut paper to fit the insides that would be the best. Do you have a 1, 2, or 3

[HAWK PILOT]

I have a one. I will cut poster board to match each surface on both the left and right tank.
Donnie

[MichaelBurton]

Sounds good for the SH 1. Now I need the same for a 2.

[Heather Poe]

Michael -
Any news on this project?
thanks,
Heather

[Hoges]

Michael,
I have a 2 with the tanks open and just about to be sealed and I would be interested in the bladders.
What would you like me to do to help out?
Happy New Year
Scott
________
R2 (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Jaguar_R2)

[MichaelBurton]

Michael,
I have a 2 with the tanks open and just about to be sealed and I would be interested in the bladders.
What would you like me to do to help out?
Happy New Year
Scott

Yes I need a template for this tank

[Hoges]

Michael,
Are the tank vents and fuel return line connections going to be in the same place on the bladder?
Any idea how much fuel capacity loss the bladder will cause?
Scott
________
N02 VAPORIZER (http://no2vaporizers.com)

[MichaelBurton]

Michael,
Are the tank vents and fuel return line connections going to be in the same place on the bladder?
Any idea how much fuel capacity loss the bladder will cause?
Scott

I expect the fuel capacity to be nearly unchanged. The connections will be like the sh2 and 3. All lines will be external to the gyro. If you have a 2 or 3 the connection points should match.

[Hoges]

Michael,
Any rough idea how long it may take to get the bladders happening?
Do you look like having enough starters to make it worthwhile?
Scott
________
YAMAHA V8 ENGINE (http://www.yamaha-tech.com/wiki/Yamaha_V8_engine)

[MichaelBurton]

The problem I have right now is that I have not recieved the templates for the tanks. I have been told that the tanks can be complete in short order after the design is done. This project may still be scrapped if I do not get a number of orders or the templates to not arrive. For some of this I am waiting for prommised help. For the orders well that is up to those that have the problem to decide if this solution is what they want. If I do not get orders to support the project then proseal is the next best solution IMO.

[utahgyrocop]

Mike,

I have my sh1 kit that the cabin is still untouched. Would it help with the project if I brought my cabin to you so you could work with the bladder company directly?

Let me know.

I will be restarting my build soon and would like to get a handle on this sooner than later.

Take care and stay safe.

[MichaelBurton]

All I need it a template of the tank. To create on cut paper or card board to fit each surface of the tank and mark where the connections are. then scan or send the template to me.
Thanks

2050 N 300 W Spanish Fork, UT 84660

[Johnw]

Michael,
I fly an RAF 2000 (with the GBA Sparrowhawk CLT conversion) and have recently experienced fiberglass fuel tank problems, probably due to the ethanol situation. I have no idea if the RAF and Sparrowhawk fuel tanks are similar but if the "yet to be designed" bladder would work for both it would really increase the base of potential users of the bladder. In the RAF I basically sit on the fuel tank with only a foam cushion between me and the top of the tank. I currently have the tank removed and could take pictures and measurements if this option has viability.
Thanks,
John Ferguson

[MichaelBurton]

I don't think the fuel tank on the RAF is close in size and shape to the SH sorry. If you want to make a template of your tank I will check and see for sure.

[Hoges]

Michael,
I found out over the weekend that my SH is 1, not a 2 from a friend of mine who was involved in the original build.
So I'm bladder ready already.
Scott
________
Mercedes-Benz 450Sel 6.9 Specifications (http://www.mercedes-wiki.com/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_450SEL_6.9)

[Heather Poe]

Michael,
Here is a photo of a latex mold of the fuel tank I am sending you today. Note the grey pro-seal in the middle top of the photo. Many many more pieces flaked off the tank and the mold and fell to the floor. The 2 fuel connections in the sump can be near the middle bottom. I think my kit was the last SH2 before they started shipping the SH3.
Heather

[Hoges]

Anyone seen or heard from Michael?
My SH1 is getting ready to fire up and I need to work out a fuel tank solution soon to get it in the air.
Has anyone had any experience with aluminium tanks inside the fibreglass?
Scott
________
Jaguar mark vii specifications (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Jaguar_Mark_VII)

[MichaelBurton]

I am here just waiting for the templates so that I can move to the next step. It will not be aluminum it will be a fuel bladder.

[Hoges]

Michael,
Have you got any of my messages (emails)? What is the best time to ring you as I have only got the answering machine.
Scott
________
Vapolution Vaporizer (http://www.vaporshop.com/vapolution-vaporizer.html)

[MichaelBurton]

I have not seen any email from you. Some times Nate has the fax on the 6404 line but, normally you should be able to call at any time between 7am and 10pm mountain time.You could also send a PM here on the forum.

[MichaelBurton]

I got the latex template from Heather. I will sort it out and let you know what is happening as the project progresses. This is for a SH2 and should work on the 2 or 3. I still need a template for the SH1.

[Hoges]

Michael,
I thought you were OK for a SH1 template and have just re sealed my tanks to get the engine sorted.

"I have a one. I will cut poster board to match each surface on both the left and right tank.
Donnie "

Scott
________
Toyota crown majesta specifications (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Toyota_Crown_Majesta)

[MichaelBurton]

Thanks I do need that if we are going to do a SH1 bladder.

[Heather Poe]

"Gold Standard may be used on steel, aluminum, and fiberglass tanks."
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Tank-Sealers_c_7-1-0.html
"impervious to all fuels, alcohol additives & most solvents"
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Auto-Fuel-Tank-Sealer-Kit_p_34.html

[Penguin]

I had a early Brock fiberglass seat tank split open and douse me with gasoline in a hard landing. I was a spark away from a horribly changed life.

Gyroplanes makes an excellent point here. Although a newbie to gyros, I have a fair amount of racing experience. And vented fuel caps - as used on most gyros - are a big no no. If you take a hard landing and your bird rolls, you WILL be soaked in fuel.

There is an easy and inexpensive alternative - check valves on vent lines. Take a close look a MissFit during Bensen Days to see how it should be done. After all - it's your hide.

[Heather Poe]

I called them, and they said that many people use their product on aircraft.

[Russ Hobbs]

Michael

Did you get the SH1 information? Mine is still open and not yet sealed.
Russ

[MichaelBurton]

I never did get a SH1 template but it looks like the project will not be completed. I got great interest from some but in the end not the quantity needed for production. I think the best solution will be to coat the tanks.

Thanks to all those that gave input to the project, especially to Heather Poe for her help with the templates for the SH2.

[Russ Hobbs]

Thanks Mike, I hope to get up your way soon.

Russ

[Hoges]

OK,
Here's my solution to the tank problem.
Hasn't flown yet but isn't far away and I'll keep posted.
Scott
________
CHRYSLER EUROPE SPECIFICATIONS (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Chrysler_Europe)

[StanFoster]

Scott- Those tanks down low will lower the CG of your SparrowHawk, and in my opinion will make it behave better. My SparrowHawks nose would drop with a power chop , and I always thought way too much. A little nose drop is fine of course...but not one that was exaggerated. I never knew what the vertical height of my CG was in relation to the thrustline...except it was definately LTL...and it felt like a lot ....thats why it would really drop its nose when the thrust was removed.

Your tanks will lower your CG...maybe to the point of CLT. I bet you will notice less nosedown when you chop the power.


Stan

[lanichol]

Scott,
I been thinking about the same setup. Could you take a few more pics of the brackets. Even with a large cross-over, I assume you can not fill via one tank. What are the sizes of the tanks?

[Russ Hobbs]

Wow, Very impressive, please keep us all in the loop. It would also free up some nice storage area under the seat, which should be well within the CG weight and balance.

Russ

[Steve McGowan]

OK,
Here's my solution to the tank problem.
Hasn't flown yet but isn't far away and I'll keep posted.
Scott

Hey Scott,,

Did you get your SH body from Greg Williams from Bombadary,, or I should say Nowra.. Looks a lot like the way I put the ground plane on it for the radio when I built his there in 2006..

Steve

[CLS447]

Is this all due to the Ethanol ??

[PW_Plack]

...Looks a lot like the way I put the ground plane on it for the radio when I built his there in 2006...

That may be one very unhappy antenna now. At least check it for VSWR, and check to see what effect the new tanks will have on it's radiation pattern.

[PW_Plack]

...Your tanks will lower your CG...maybe to the point of CLT. I bet you will notice less nosedown when you chop the power...

Those tanks will be low enough that changing fuel levels could make a significant difference in CG. What is their capacity? Looks like it might be 14 gallons or so total, or more than 80 pounds...

[Hoges]

Larry,
They are 10" diameter and 11 US gallons each, about the same as the existing fuel capacity (and from Arizona btw).
This is a test and I liked the idea of getting the fuel out of the cabin and I will be interested to see what kind of drag they produce.
Scott
________
Herbal vaporizer reviews (http://vaporizer.org/)

[lanichol]

Scott,

I really like the idea. Could you take a few close up pics of how it is mounted?

I have wanted to do this exact same setup for my modified RAF.

[Russ Hobbs]

Ditto on the pictures, very nice. I believe both those tanks mounted side by side will create considerable drag, I hope someone a lot smarter than I am would take up the challenge and figure out the increase drag.

[willisbr]

Can some of you guys check out my thread on RAF fuel tank issues as well? Not loving the limited fuel tank solutions for RAF other than fix and hope or order another one and hope. All seem to be a lot of "this should work" applications. Sad.

http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25735

[drjoe]

RE: Fuel tank ethanol issues
Gel coat dissolution and tank delaminating
Reviewed with FL Bertram boat service stations and Minnesota boat manufacture and repair station, as well as industrial coating business.


Short version: there is NO FIX once tank is contaminated and the gel coat is coming off… the fiberglass will delaminate. . Big boats ...cut out tank replace with aluminum. Small boats.... polyethylene liner.
Many companies in FL talk repair with coatings … sell it … perform it … non work.
Recommendations .. use only premium ethanol free fuel. Store tank with premium ethanol free fuel. But it at boat yard, call friends with classic cars … they know where you buy ethanol free auto gas. ... Dr joe

[willisbr]

This is a bit old and has since been resolved. Bought a new tank and had it treated with flourine. Have a few threads about it:

Deciding to treat new tank (http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27743)

Off to Treatment (http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28037)

Journal (http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28881)

No problems since. No discoloration or permiation. No smell of gasoline in cabin whatsoever.

[dragonflyerthom]

When I was riding three wheelers years ago the tanks would rust thru. There was a product out then that you would use to coat and seal it. As far as I know those tanks are still good. The more advanced we go the behinder we get.

[Friendly]

Steve,
maybe you could cut tops off of the old seat tanks and insert some new tanks in the cavity. Walbro makes tanks up to 15 gallons that is suppose to handle alcohol fuels
Maybe they have one that will fit in your seat cavities.
Here is the Link, good luck
http://walbro.com/brochurefiles/tank%20handout%208-4-08%20(2).pdf

[brs]

OK,
Here's my solution to the tank problem.
Hasn't flown yet but isn't far away and I'll keep posted.
Scott
________


Scott, What is the diameter of those tanks. The image below is what I'm considering. The blue tape is the basic shape of the internal tanks. If you cut a hole (round or square depending on the alum-tank) in the back of the enclosure then you could slip a few tanks into the space of the old tanks. Leave them hang out a bit and do all the plumbing external. The stock tanks (ver I) is about 10.5" tall. Seems this would leave the structural integrity of the seats in place.

[Blue Baron]

Anyone had success with internal/external aluminum, bladders or multiple replacement smaller tanks that hang out the back as BRS stated above? My tank was stripped and recoated before I bought it. As a result, no primary fuel pump or fuel indicator working. Just one of a few safety issues I need to work before I feel it's suitable for flight. I like the idea of external pods and converting the sub-seat area to storage. Anyone tested the impact to CG?
Rob