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Adding An Extra 3 Gallon Fuel Tank Bay?

9GT

Well Known Member
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Wondering if anyone has done this. My project came with quick build wings and fuel tanks. I read WAY to many write-ups of these tanks developing weeping rivets and tiny leaks that require tank removal & surgery to seal back up. My fuel sender cover's are not yet installed. I peered in there with flashlight and mirrors and don't like what I see. I feel that they were way too stingy with the tank sealant. Building my RV-10 tanks, I used probably more sealant than necessary, but I KNEW they would never leak from the beginning, and would not develop one in the future. Sure I added several ounces of sealant to each tank, but worth the weight penalty IMHO. Since nothing is yet painted, my plan is to remove each tank and open up each bay from the baffle, inspect and re-seal each rib on both sides with a fillet of sealant, and place a larger dab of sealant on each rivet shop head and seal the baffles with Van's tank repair covers (wheel covers). I am also strongly considering splicing an additional 3 gallon bay on the inboard end of the tanks and shifting the tanks outboard accordingly. Only a 6 gallon increase total but gives a 45 minute or so cruise range increase without the complexity of auxiliary fuel tanks, transfer pumps, or plumbing. Anyone do this? I find a lot of threads and builder logs on installing aux tanks, and even building larger tanks during the original tank build, but I am not interested in this option.
 
Not to rain on your parade, but if those tanks are already built, you're likely fixing something that ain't broke. ;-)

If you cut into every bay for access, you create that many more opportunities for leaks.

More is no guarantee of better with tank sealant. Just read through all the accounts on the intewebs of fixing leaks after massive sealant use. It's all about proper prep and proper application. I sealed 2 standard RV-7 tanks, *and* 2 leading edge aux tanks, with *one* standard kit of Van's Flamemaster sealant.

I can testify that converting the leading edge into a fuel tank is a lot of work. My personal opinion, FWIW, is that splicing a bay onto an existing tank, moving the filler outboard, plugging the original fill hole, etc, would be a *lot* more difficult, and would require a lot of extra work to deal with the cosmetic issues once done.

YMMV, worth what you paid, etc...

Charlie
 
Builer?s method

I wouldnt fix a problem until it is a problem.
Add capacity is not easy and doesnt buy much unless you also add bladder to the pilot and passenger.

Lastly, if the original builder used normal dies, and not tank dies, ther is a good chance there wont be any leaks.

If you have to go in there, I would cut a hole in the back baffle, fix the problem, and then consider using the hub caps as the patch. This will give an extra pint or so per hubcap with no other impact. I havent done this, but is in the back of my mind if I ever find a leak.JMHO YMMV

You could probably get more range by adding oxygen and flying higher.
 
A couple of issues to think about in adding to the fuel tank on the inboard end:

1) if you shift the whole tank outboard, all of the match-drilled attachment screws, and the z-brackets, may not line up as you shift outboard. On the other hand, with all the modern CNC punching, maybe the hole spacing is uniform enough that you could shift the tank outboard and the screws might still line up. Of course there will be new screws to add at the outboard end where you shift into what would usually be just riveted leading edge.

2) splicing wing skin to the inboard end of the tank and not having it leak is going to be very tricky. Its one thing to make a bigger tank from scratch, using all one sheet for the skin. But to add onto a built tank by butt-splicing another skin section, and get that sealed up, that is going to be a lot of work.
 
I also contemplated additional fuel capacity. I have often thought of additional fuel as a safety buffer for long flights. However, from my almost 8 years of flight experience now with the 9 I will tell you up front -- you don't need the extra 6 gallons reserve. With standard tanks I have an average flight time of 4.5 hours with a 30 minute reserve. In reality the longest leg I have ever flown was just under 4 hours. That is a long time for your butt to be sitting in that seat. I do understand there may be specific missions that require longer legs but for the average RV9 flight, not necessary.
 
Steve,

While I'd disagree with the OP's proposed methods, flying longer legs is rarely the motivation for tankering fuel. Those of us who fly out of places where fuel is cheaper, or where we can have our own supply (cheaper, auto fuel, etc), or intend to fly to locations without fuel (with the intent to return), can think of many other reasons.

Charlie
 
Steve,

While I'd disagree with the OP's proposed methods, flying longer legs is rarely the motivation for tankering fuel. Those of us who fly out of places where fuel is cheaper, or where we can have our own supply (cheaper, auto fuel, etc), or intend to fly to locations without fuel (with the intent to return), can think of many other reasons.

Charlie

Then there are those of us who live in a country where there are a LOT of miles between airports. All it takes is for your destination to have a breakdown in their fuel pumping equipment and you're stuck. Tankering fuel is a necessity in more sparsely-populated locales.

Also, if you are considering flying IFR, one must be aware of the need to get to an alternate. That alternate may not be nearby. That extra six gallons of fuel might be the make-or-break feature in bad weather conditions.
 
Not to rain on your parade, but if those tanks are already built, you're likely fixing something that ain't broke. ;-)
From the reports I have read here on the forum on the quick build tanks, I feel the probability of a leak developing to be pretty high. There is a thread going on right now about a quick build tank that has a leaking vent fitting. Many reports of quick build tanks developing leaking weeping rivets after a short period of time.

If you cut into every bay for access, you create that many more opportunities for leaks.
That is true, but done and sealed correctly negates that factor.

More is no guarantee of better with tank sealant. Just read through all the accounts on the intewebs of fixing leaks after massive sealant use. It's all about proper prep and proper application. I sealed 2 standard RV-7 tanks, *and* 2 leading edge aux tanks, with *one* standard kit of Van's Flamemaster sealant.
I agree to a great extent, but you need to remember that you were the one who took the time and care to do the preparation properly, and ensuring that the placement of the sealant was adequate and to your high standards. You did not buy a pre-built tank assembled by someone in a "factory" who may or may not have the same quality standards as yourself. There is a reason why so many pre-built tanks have leaks.

I can testify that converting the leading edge into a fuel tank is a lot of work. My personal opinion, FWIW, is that splicing a bay onto an existing tank, moving the filler outboard, plugging the original fill hole, etc, would be a *lot* more difficult, and would require a lot of extra work to deal with the cosmetic issues once done.
Yes, I reviewed your build log and you did a lot of work with the aux tank set-up you have. The aux tank and additional plumbing with transfer pumps adds a lot of complexity. I am just expanding the tank an additional 3 gallons, one bay. The filler does not get moved. The additional 3 gallon bay is built on the inboard end and the whole tank assembly shifts outboard about 10".
YMMV, worth what you paid, etc...

Charlie

I am just not that impressed with quick build tanks and figure that as long as I am getting into it, why not add 3 more gallons per tank.
 
I'm very satisfied with the workmanship of my QB tanks. 220 hours TT, flying since February 2016, no sign of any leaks.
 
Take the tanks off the wings and put twenty gallons of fuel in them. Roll the around every few days to check for leaks.
 
Take the tanks off the wings and put twenty gallons of fuel in them. Roll the around every few days to check for leaks.

I built tanks before and know how to test them. I am sure they don't leak now as they are quick build tanks and I am pretty sure they are tested prior to shipping, but judging from all the leaking fuel tank threads, quick build tanks are prone to developing leaks after some time. I would rather do a preemptive strike now before they are installed and painted. Since I am increasing capacity anyway, I am going to open up every bay and put some decent fillets on all the ribs and rivets. Like I said, looking inside I don't like what I see. People complain a lot about the fuel vents dripping and siphoning off fuel after filling their tanks, even after leaving a margin for expansion. I checked out the vent line end on one of my tanks with a flashlight and mirror and there is almost 1/2" gap from the top of the vent tube to the tank top skin. I can almost get the tip of my finger between them!.. No wonder some weep/drip/siphon fuel and create a mess. I will re-work or replace the lines while I am in there and have the ends turned up and beveled so there is just a 3/32-1/8" gap between the beveled open end of the vent line and the tank skin. This should eliminated dripping as long as I don't over-stuff the tanks with fuel. I did this building my -10 tanks and never had an issue with dripping fuel after filling the tanks as long as they were not stuffed. The RV-10 vents just come straight out of the tanks with a 90* bend down and out through the wing root skin. None of that routing through the cabin stuff like the RV-9. I am using the Rocket vent mod with the wing root loops then straight down and out. I already ripped that mess out of the cabin.
 
Dave,
What is the rocket vent mod?
Thanks
Dave

Like this. Tank is vented at the outboard top edge, to a 2-or-3 loop coil of 1/4" tubing, and then vented through the bottom of the wing. I did this with my outboard tanks, and the outboard vent into the inboards for flow-through venting. None of that cabin vent line noise.

http://websites.expercraft.com/airguy/index.php?q=log_entry&log_id=38573

http://websites.expercraft.com/airguy/index.php?q=log_entry&log_id=33889

My inboard tanks are standard except for the vents, and I built the outboard leading edges into another tank, 15.5 gallons per side.
 
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Dave,
What is the rocket vent mod?
Thanks
Dave

Here is a pic of my -7A. Not quite finished but you get the idea.

BeszwBOl.jpg
 
Here is a pic of my -7A. Not quite finished but you get the idea.

BeszwBOl.jpg

Nice Ray. What are you using to separate and hold the coil in place? I want something that will not allow the coils to bounce around. I was thinking I would fabricate a split loom out of aluminum with snap bushings or rubber grommets and then have the loom fastened to the fuel level sender cover plate.
 
drifting the thread a little but in another thread about vent lines it was pointed out that low points could collect water, then ice. what's the story with these vent loops?
 
Nice Ray. What are you using to separate and hold the coil in place? I want something that will not allow the coils to bounce around. I was thinking I would fabricate a split loom out of aluminum with snap bushings or rubber grommets and then have the loom fastened to the fuel level sender cover plate.

I used large, opposing tie-wraps, which is what you see in the photo. One around two tubes with another wrapped around the middle of the tie-wrap between them. You could also use a short piece of rubber tubing in between.

Beyond that, the connection to the tank and wing root fairing do a fine job of stabilizing the assembly. I'm in the middle of my first CI now and will be opening the wing roots for inspection to ensure all is well.
 
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