Fuel Leak in Right Wing

[wberzinis]

So I filled up the plane and flew it to my hangar and put it to bed. Went back about 2 weeks later and basically the tank was empty. I noticed a dry stain on the ground and when I looked at the underneath of the right wing I noticed a fuel stain to the forward part of the plane on the inside of the fabric. The plane had been on floats this summer.

The aircraft is a 1982 F-21 118 hp. Is there any way to take a good look at this issue without having to cut the fabric? It may be one of the hoses. If you take down the header panel on the inside of the aircraft aby luck? I told the mechanic that I would post something on here, hoping for some insight. He hasn't gotten into it yet.

Any help and suggestions, would be appreciated. Thanks and Happy Holidays.

wayne

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Fuel Leak in Right Wing

I would do the "Condom Test" first. Stretch a condom over the fuel filler of the tank with the valves shut off. Blow into the drain to inflate the condom and close the drain. Watch the condom. It should stay inflated for at least a couple of hours. People walking past will really look at your plane funny, so do it in the hangar with the doors closed. Besides, the wind will pull the condom and tear it.
If it does stay filled, the leak is probably in the line to the main tank, but at least you know where to look.
Hank

[cvavon]

Re: Fuel Leak in Right Wing

Hank does the F21 have a header tank or is that one of the larger tanks that are noted for leaking

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Fuel Leak in Right Wing

I am TOTALLY unfamiliar with all of the Taylorcraft models after the late 40s so I couldn't tell you. Unfortunately, as far as I know there isn't a single late model anywhere near me. The condom test should work for any tank since the condom protects the fuel system from over pressurization and is easy to spot leaks with. You just have to isolate the section you are testing.
I know the big rectangular wing tanks used in my planes are pretty bad about getting leaks in the seams and corners.
Hank

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Fuel Leak in Right Wing

wberzins call me or e-mail direct ; if a F-21 with three tanks then it will be easy. If you meant an A or B with two big tanks ; you may have a problem . first find the leak , n umerous ways to do that ; if you ahve to do it right then the wing comes off ( 45 mins) and fabric has to be cut away. IT may be only a hose or sight guage .