Fuel Tank
Category Archives: Section 18
Section – 17 & 18
My parents, sister and nephews came to our house for the weekend and the lady’s went shopping and had their nails done, so my father and I worked on the wings.
Earlier in the week I added the AFS AOA ports to the left wing outboard leading edge. The left leading edge can now be attached to the left spar.
My dad and I attached the left leading edge and left fuel tank to the left spar. We then finished riveting the right outboard leading edge top skin.
Section – 17 & 18
Section – 18, Tank Pressure Testing
Tested the fuel tanks a while back and have had the chance to update the page. Both tanks tested well with no leaks other than at the threads of the drain fitting. I carefully used Teflon tape for the test and removed all Teflon after the test. Both tanks were tested to 1 PSI using a home made manometer. A sigh of relief that both had no leaks after spraying soapy water and waiting for 24 hours watching the temp change to calculate the predicted water level change.
Section – 18, Fuel Tank conti.
Finished the left fuel tank today. It took more time than I thought, but after some messy hands I got it all sealed up. I installed the fuel tank float and torqued the fuel vent line B nut. I covered the vent line and fuel outlet with the finger tips cut out of some used gloves. The left tank for both left and right tanks is now setting aside to dry. I will work the right tank baffle on Sunday.. UPDATE.. Finished sealing the right fuel tank on Sunday, waiting for the sealant to dry on both tanks before testing for leaks.
Section – 18 Fuel Tanks conti-
After completing the Ailerons, I decided to give the fuel tank sealant another try. I mixed the sealant then placed it into a ziplock bag and cut the tip end off the bag similar to how one might decorate a cake. This method worked fantastic and made the process much more manageable along with less waist of sealant.
I finished installing the ribs in the left tank along with installing the fuel vent line. On the right tank I was able to work all the ribs except the last rib that connects to the fuel vent line (T-1003B-R). I need to fabricate the right vent line first.
Section 18, Fill Cap Flange
Section 18, Aft Inboard Tank Rib Sub-assembly
Fuel Tank Sealant – was the topic of the day. Started attaching the VA-141 Finger Strainer Flange, T-1010 Anti-Rotation Plate and nut plates along with various small plates used for sealing the holes in the end ribs used for holding formblocks in proper alignment during hydropress forming of the ribs. Ever piece attached needed too have the fuel tank sealant applied between the parts and the riveted in place. The T-1011 Stiffeners and VA-112 Drain Flange were also riveted onto the wing tank skins with the fuel tank sealant between the pieces.
Section 18, Fuel Tank Cap
Saturday 24th, fitted gas cap and flange to the left and right fuel tank. Machine countersunk fuel tank cap flanges and dimpled the fuel sank skin. I decided to do more flutting to the fuel tank ribs because I wasn’t satisfied with the way the were aligning with the dimple fuel tank skin holes. The VA-146 bearing and upper and lower shim (T-1005B, T-1005C) on the T-1005-L were riveted into place.
Section – 18 Fuel Tank Assembly
While my wife and I became new happy parents, my dad spent time in the garage working Section 18. He assembled both left and right fuel tanks to the point of being 75% complete. I am now reassembling the tanks to finish them. Here is a picture of the left fuel tank. More time will be needed to better fit the ribs into the skin prior to ProSeal and riviting.
Section 18 – Fuel Tank
After touching on Section 17 & 19 I wanted more parts to Alodine and Chromate conversion coat instead of the usual few pieces. I figure once you get setup for the process a couple more pieces wouldn’t hurt! So I started to flute the tank ribs. Next will be to cut various parts from stock that make up some of the internal parts used in the tanks.