Check your tanks!

[FlyingGourmet]

The previous owner of my plane put slosh sealer in my tanks to seal them. I first noticed this the other day when I had a fuel starvation problem and had to make a "precautionary landing." After some trouble shooting, I looked in the tank and saw there was a pile of what looked like dried paint obscuring the main drain. I'm not sure what caused the sealer to let loose, however I do have an auto gas stc and I do use it. -Nonetheless, if you don't see aluminum when you look in your tank, keep an eye out for what looks like peeling paint!

As for the fix, I'm open to any wisdom anyone is willing to impart. My Mechanic and I have never pulled the tanks on a Taylorcraft so any tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated. We thought we'd slosh some MEK or some paint stripper in them to remove the sealer. Then after checking for leaks I assume I'd have to have them professionally re-welded? Also, If anyone can steer me in the right direction regaurding new tanks (main and both wing tanks) I'd appreciate it.

Thanks Guys and Gals, and Happy Easter!

[ROllerton]

Re: Check your tanks!

i know of two types of tank sealers used outside of aviation, the original formula is not compatible with the stuff added to unleaded auto fuel (alcohol), so a 2nd formula was invented that is claimed to be compatible.

The stuff thats approved for use in airplanes, I think, is the old forumation.

The old forumation does what you describe when it is used with whats presently being sold for autogas.

I think both forumations will soften and perhaps disolve with MEK, the old formulaton more so than the new one.


Hope this helps. There is probable more data and experience with these sealers in the auto and tractor restoration world than aviation. Or at least more people willing to talk about it.

bob.

[akroflyer]

Re: Check your tanks!

I had the same problem with my wing tank, I tried to dissolve it with acetone and mek, neither worked, all it did was cause the compound to swell but not dissolve. I had to cut a hole in the tank and remove it, then weld the tank.

[Len Petterson]

Re: Check your tanks!

Aircraft Spruce sells 2 different sloching compunds!
One for Avgas and one for Car gas and the two DON'T mix.
Check in Aircraft Spruce catalog under sloching sealer and read the warning.
Clean the tank to bare metal and weld the leak and you have no more truble.
If you don't have there catalog visit them on the net.
Fuel flow = long and safe flight.
Len

[FlyingGourmet]

Re: Check your tanks!

I had the same problem with my wing tank, I tried to dissolve it with acetone and mek, neither worked, all it did was cause the compound to swell but not dissolve. I had to cut a hole in the tank and remove it, then weld the tank.

Appreciate the tip! Looks like I'll be cutting away . . . Any tips for removing the wing or main tanks appreciated. I'm starting after the main tank today. It looks like if I take out the "A" control frame the main tank should drop down without having to pull the pannel which I'd like to avoid.

[ROllerton]

Re: Check your tanks!

I have had some luck with rusty tanks, and sometmes ones with sealer.

I cut several holes on the top side with a hole saw, about 1 1/4", and about every 12" or so apart. if its really bad you might need to make one or two holes on the bottom. Save the slugs...

Then I take it do a redi-strip place, one of the commercial places that does car stuff; they use a hot caustic solution and electricity.

Then take it to a good welder and have them tig weld back the slugs, and then weld up any leaky seams. If you have a rusty spot, cut that out and have them weld in a proper patch. The redi-strip process gets out all the rust, gunk, and gas fumes so it (seems) safe to weld.

Of course you need to follow proper faa regulations for making and documenting the repair.

[Guest]

Re: Check your tanks!

The previous owner of my plane put slosh sealer in my tanks to seal them. I first noticed this the other day when I had a fuel starvation problem and had to make a "precautionary landing." After some trouble shooting, I looked in the tank and saw there was a pile of what looked like dried paint obscuring the main drain. I'm not sure what caused the sealer to let loose, however I do have an auto gas stc and I do use it. -Nonetheless, if you don't see aluminum when you look in your tank, keep an eye out for what looks like peeling paint!

As for the fix, I'm open to any wisdom anyone is willing to impart. My Mechanic and I have never pulled the tanks on a Taylorcraft so any tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated. We thought we'd slosh some MEK or some paint stripper in them to remove the sealer. Then after checking for leaks I assume I'd have to have them professionally re-welded? Also, If anyone can steer me in the right direction regaurding new tanks (main and both wing tanks) I'd appreciate it.

Thanks Guys and Gals, and Happy Easter!

Any chance your auto fuel had ethanol in it? Sounds like it may have. Dave.