From:
Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of peter Sokolowski
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012
9:02 AM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Fuel Tank sealer
Hi fellows,
I just discovered
the following problem with my header tank.
In my – not
flying yet – LNC 360 I have since 1 – 2 years about 3-4 gallons of
mogas for run-up testing etc.. The headertank is sealed with the standard fuel
tank sealer Jeffco 9700.
Yesterday evening I
wanted to change something on the fuel level sensor and discovered that the
backplane with the screws holding the sensor in place is loose. Closer
evaluation showed that the sealer was on large portions in the tank released
from the lower tank basin. The upper cover is OK. Also the glue holding the
backplate in place was complete released.
The Jeffco felt hard
and sticked to other surfaces OK. I do not believe that it is a mixing or
surface preparation problem – even it could. But the header tank is made
from two different materials – the lower basin (or the
“basin” itself) is made of pure glass – and probably
different from the other glass in the plane. The upper cover is the honeycomb
material on which the Jeffco glues just fine.
Now your opinions /
experience is asked:
1.
As it is European mogas with ethanol – could that be the
reason ?
2.
If it is a preparation problem – why does it stick to
other surfaces – and the Jeffco should be sealing and the adhesive should
not be influenced by the gas... ?
3.
Is the Jeffco a bad batch ?
4.
Does one need a fuel tank sealer anyhow in the header tank due
to the other material (except the upper surface) ?
5.
Any experience with mogas “contaminating” the glass
with respect to further proceedings like re-covering again with sealer ?
Any ideas are
welcome – I have some problems in getting in touch with Jeffco and could
not reach yet Lancair.
Thanks in advance
Peter
LNC 360 MKII,
D-EPSO, 95% (?)