New Tank is Leaking

[Robert Bradbury]

I posted late last week about my leaking tank and whether or not I should patch or change.

Anyway, I decided to change it out only to find out that it too leaks .

The first was a metal tank the second Aluminum.

What now, do I look for a new, patch the Al., or sell the plane ( what I want to do at this point......ok just joking)?

[Guest]

Re: New Tank is Leaking

Robert, aluminum is metal.

I suppose you mean steel. Take your steel tank to a radiator repair shop and have it fixed. Make sure they pressure test it.

Then put it back in.

Dave

[1938BF50]

Re: New Tank is Leaking

Make DARN sure they only test it with a couple PSI maximum! It's not a 12# radiator......I've seen them completely blow up heater cores with shop air while testing!

[Winston L.]

Re: New Tank is Leaking

Normally 3 psi MAX is used.

[Pearson]

Re: New Tank is Leaking

I suggest finding where the leak is before you do anything. It is possible it could be leaking where the line or fitting screws in. Did you use fuel lube on the threads?

Of course if the leak is on a seam, the tank will have to come out.

Always look for the simplest solution.

[Len Petterson]

Re: New Tank is Leaking

2 psi is too MUCH. Put a condom over the fillerneck blow it up and let it sit! Soap and water will give you a good leak test.
See Robert Lee's testing method on his site! You can deform a tank by blowing hard into it with your mouth!
Two psi will most likely round out the tank to a point where it will burst or not fit anymore!
Len