I suspect that the problem is not as easy as having Univair make a tank and get it STC'd. I needed a wing tank, but with an early SN, I couldn't fit a later SN tank. It is my understanding that in the early production, Ercoupe made changes in construction as needed, and I know that the later Ercoupe tanks are not the same as the Alon tanks, which are not the same Etc. A far better solution would be a suitable liquid liner that hardens and forms a flexible bladder inside the tank. This could be poured into the tank, "sloshed" around, but form a thicker liner than we've had available in the past. Being an old Harley Bum, I've on several occasions installed custom fuel tanks on my bikes. Each time, I've used a tank sealer prior to finishing the tank. I can't remember the name of it, but it's available at most custom MotorCycle shops. The secret seems to be in using the acid that comes with it to clean and prep the tank. After finishing, these tanks are subjected to both Av and Auto gas, and I've never seen it come loose or out. It seems that the problem some of you may be having with your leaks, is the process, and not the materials. My own tank had sealant installed upon sealant, and now I'm having to pay the piper. All the junk has to come out before I can fix it right. There comes a time when we all should accept the fact that we'd be better off financially if we'd taken up Cocaine instead of flying. We'd be money ahead. If you don't want to, or can't afford to fix it right, DON'T BITCH ABOUT IT WHEN IT FAILS AGAIN.
LARRY [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Syd and the group. > > As you know, I have been a proponent of keeping the header tank in place, > argueing that it is safer to have a system that keeps the engine runnning > than a system dependent on pumps that might fail and cause the engine to > quit.....BUT..... > > I see a lot of comments about using "weld" glues on leaking tanks.....and > that scares me. > > If the tank wall is so thin that corrosion is eating thru and causing a leak, > that leak may be stopped by the use of one of these JB Welds, etc., > materials....BUT...if the skin is corroded and thin, then it will probably > rupture in a hard landing, minor accident, etc., ie: a condition where an > airworthy tank would not fail... > > So folks, be careful, if your header tank is bad, replace it!....or have it > rebuilt properly, by replacement of the metal by soldering, welding, > etc....approved repair process, so that it is strong enough to sustain a jolt. > > I am concerned that there may be those of us flying with non-leaking tanks, > but that have corroded through tank bottoms that have been repaired with > brittle materials, that would fail in an otherwise minor incident...... > > Yes it would be nice to have one of the new type material tanks available for > replacement. The Auto racing world is using such a tank - > > Shame on Univair for not exploring the issue of an economical replacement > composite tank. Maybe they can be encouraged to do so. Call or write them.... > <A HREF="http://www.univair.com/";>Univair Home</A> > > Leaking gasoline is not a matter to be taken lightly.. > > Regards, > > Fly Safe - Have Fun > > Harry Francis > 93530 > Blacksburg, VA.
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