dick seiders
Well Known Member
As I said earlier in another thread (new vent install) I am now testing a fully welded tank. It is constructed of 5052 H32 .090 aluminum. I have mounted the sending unit door and of course the Moeller gage on the top skin. I have used Van's cork buna gaskets for all three mounting plates, and was hopeful that they would seal the fastening screws, but no way. The soap bubbled air freely. So I had to make a concession to the Flamemaster tank sealant for the screws. That appears to have done the job still using the cork gaskets. Should further testing indicate any air leaking I will remove the 3 plates and the cork gaskets and apply tank sealant directly to the 3 contact surfaces w/o the use of the gaskets. The good news is all the leaking air was associated with the 3 plates. There are no leaks in the heli-arc welds.
It's been a while since I have conducted the air test and would appreciate any thoughts from your own experiences as to how long the balloon should hold the air and what is an acceptable rate of shrinkage?
Upon completion of satisfactory leak testing I will install the tank and run/flight test it. Following a successful test period I will send photos and tell all who are interested about what I have learned in this process about tank making for the RV12.
Dick Seiders
It's been a while since I have conducted the air test and would appreciate any thoughts from your own experiences as to how long the balloon should hold the air and what is an acceptable rate of shrinkage?
Upon completion of satisfactory leak testing I will install the tank and run/flight test it. Following a successful test period I will send photos and tell all who are interested about what I have learned in this process about tank making for the RV12.
Dick Seiders