Tom Martin
Well Known Member
I just finished my RV14 fuel tanks.
I basically followed the plans and procedures set out by Vans which I have also used on four previous sets of tanks.
Usually I use about 1 1/2 quarts of the sealant this time I used 7 tubes of sealant that are applied with a caulking gun. This is a much easier way to go and is actually cheaper then purchasing the 2 quart cans.http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/fueltanksealants/prosealant.php
I divided the sealing into 7 , four to five hour sessions. I work alone
1. stiffeners bottom of both tanks (all sessions take one tube of sealant)
fuel fittings on both inboard ribs
2. five outboard ribs on right tank
3. five outboard ribs on left tank
4. inboard two ribs, J channel, and the tank support bracket on right tank
5. inboard two ribs, J channel, and the tank support bracket on left tank
6. back baffle on right tank
7. back baffle on left tank
Thus I have a total of 28 to 30 hours of sealing and riveting on the fuel tanks. This was spread out over two or three weeks.
Note that although the plans call for you to start on the left side I always start on the right side of the airplane. People ALWAYS look at the left side of the airplane. If I make any little mistakes I want them to be on the right side!
I basically followed the plans and procedures set out by Vans which I have also used on four previous sets of tanks.
Usually I use about 1 1/2 quarts of the sealant this time I used 7 tubes of sealant that are applied with a caulking gun. This is a much easier way to go and is actually cheaper then purchasing the 2 quart cans.http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/fueltanksealants/prosealant.php
I divided the sealing into 7 , four to five hour sessions. I work alone
1. stiffeners bottom of both tanks (all sessions take one tube of sealant)
fuel fittings on both inboard ribs
2. five outboard ribs on right tank
3. five outboard ribs on left tank
4. inboard two ribs, J channel, and the tank support bracket on right tank
5. inboard two ribs, J channel, and the tank support bracket on left tank
6. back baffle on right tank
7. back baffle on left tank
Thus I have a total of 28 to 30 hours of sealing and riveting on the fuel tanks. This was spread out over two or three weeks.
Note that although the plans call for you to start on the left side I always start on the right side of the airplane. People ALWAYS look at the left side of the airplane. If I make any little mistakes I want them to be on the right side!
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