Piper J3
Well Known Member
I recently had to remove my fuel tank to fix a small leak in the top cover seam. I used Van’s 2-part Fuel Tank Sealant and it worked a wonder. When I removed the tank I noticed debris under the tank that was trapped between the baggage floor and the bottom of the tank. The airplane has 350TT and lots of “stuff” has been hauled in the baggage compartment.
My concern is if something should accidentally roll under the tank it could cause chaffing and maybe wear a hole in the bottom of the tank. The tank is suspended about 1/8” above the baggage floor and may even be less clearance when weighted with fuel. I’m also concerned with the flathead screws holding the floor under the tank. If these screws loosen they can easily rise up and chafe against the bottom of the tank.
So I’ve been thinking about this problem and decided to slide a piece of flat cork sheet under the tank to prevent unwanted items from finding their way under the void. The cork sheet will also prevent a floor screw from backing out and touching the bottom of the tank. I found 1/8” x 12” x 20” cork sheet at the local craft store. Cork also comes in 1/16” thickness.
For what it’s worth…
My concern is if something should accidentally roll under the tank it could cause chaffing and maybe wear a hole in the bottom of the tank. The tank is suspended about 1/8” above the baggage floor and may even be less clearance when weighted with fuel. I’m also concerned with the flathead screws holding the floor under the tank. If these screws loosen they can easily rise up and chafe against the bottom of the tank.
So I’ve been thinking about this problem and decided to slide a piece of flat cork sheet under the tank to prevent unwanted items from finding their way under the void. The cork sheet will also prevent a floor screw from backing out and touching the bottom of the tank. I found 1/8” x 12” x 20” cork sheet at the local craft store. Cork also comes in 1/16” thickness.
For what it’s worth…