Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

[rcefird]

1941 BC12-65 has a leak in the rt wing tank. I am coming up to annual next month and will need to get it fixed. I have looked in the archives(including Rob Lees pictures and info. on removing and repairing a wing tank. Thanks Rob!!). I still have some questions. First, should I get a new aluminum tank or try to repair the old? What are the pros and cons of the aluminum vs steel? I can't tell from the posts whether there are a lot of problems with aluminum corrosion vs steel rusting, etc. Second, anyone know of good reliable sources for aluminum tanks? After all the concerns with the factory and whether they have the proper paperwork for parts, are they a possibility?
I don't use the tank any now and probably won't need it much in the future, but it is good to have when I do take longer trips. Also, my IA really does everything by the book (he's ex-military) so I won't be taking any short cuts.

Thanks
Randy

[whake]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

I have a '45 BC12D ..have Alum tanks ..had to replace the fitting, they are available from Aircraft spruce ...found someone who knew how to weld and he did an excellent job...could send you pictures,but this system keeps rejecting my JPG pictures...send me your email and I will send you some pictures. I have seen tanks on [email protected]

[selje]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

There are a set of Taylorcraft wing tank on ebay. Item number: 250048485496

[rcefird]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

Thanks to both of you. Walt do you have any problems with the aluminum tank.
Randy

[rcefird]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

Again, any of you with experience have thoughts of pros and cons of aluminum vs repairing a steel wing tank? I want to mostly fly with the tank empty for weight purposes.
Randy

[whake]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

NO problems with AL tanks just keep a little fuel in them occasionally. An empty tank breeds condensation and natural dust in the air. I try to keep 3 or 4 gals in the wing tanks, when I fill the main. The reason I had to replace the outlet is because someone in the history of the plane put a iron fitting with the screen attached, galvonic corrosion ruined it. Aircraft spruce has all the right parts.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

Isn't there some kind of sloshing or sealing compound that you could spray in there with a wand and not have to take the tank out?

[rcefird]

Re: Leaking RT Wing Fuel Tank

I don't know if there is a product that works reliably and is safe Bill. But if there is, I'd sure love to give it a try.
Randy