Wing Tank Repair

[CraigH]

Re: Wing Tank Repair

Or is it a case like my PA-12? If they are not leaking now they will leak soon?

In my opinion if the mounting system has not been re-worked the answer is "absolutely YES".

If you'll slog through this thread there are some pics/description of how we fixed mine:

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?t=310&highlight=n8zu+ready

[Jim Doody]

Re: Wing Tank Repair

OK, so the problem is that the tank has a bracket of some sort that is attached to the rib? And the bracket tears the tank due to normal flexing of the wing? Your "repair" of the problem seems reasonable to me if I have it correct. Thanks. Jim

[RobertP]

Re: Wing Tank Repair

I have just gone through the situation with my F22A and it was an expensive experience at that! The only way as was said is to remove the wing & tank and get it welded & then a fabric job!

They leak at the small brackets which are attached to the tank and used to secure it to the internals of the wing and the fabric with clips which attach to the brackets. It is the vibration over time which causes the leaks and it and it is a very poor design fault. I found that my tank was leaking at several of the brackets both top and bottom.

The first indication of a problem is the dreaded green stain on the underside of the wing accompanied by a fuel smell. If someone has tried to cure it before on the cheap you will probably see a dodgy looking repair to the fabric on the underside of the wing! My advice if you have doubts about a posible tank leak is to walk away from the aircraft. If you have it repaired make sure they don't over pressure the tank testing it, hence the the durex! if they do, it will be difficult to fit the expanded tank back into the wing and make a tidy fabric job.

In my opinion it is only a matter of time before they all leak and I am not sure how they fair once repaired but I understand that there is a FAA approved mod using straps so if needs be check that out. I found out about it afterwards!