Return-Path: Received: from pop3.olsusa.com ([63.150.212.2] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 3.5.9) with ESMTP id 1161151 for rob@logan.com; Mon, 08 Apr 2002 16:12:54 -0400 Received: from neo.pre.commspeed.net ([216.19.2.3]) by pop3.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.3 release 223 ID# 0-71866U8000L800S0V35) with SMTP id com for ; Sun, 7 Apr 2002 21:36:47 -0400 Received: (qmail 60488 invoked by uid 89); 8 Apr 2002 01:40:30 -0000 Received: from dialup-208-187-56-168.pre.commspeed.net (HELO ken) (208.187.56.168) by 0 with SMTP; 8 Apr 2002 01:40:30 -0000 From: "ken covington" To: Subject: Checking for fuel leaks Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2002 18:00:34 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com Message-ID: <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> I would like to offer a simple solution to check for fuel leaks. I will use the E.S.for example. With the wing setting right side up and on a slant inboard end down,(I used the cradle the wing was built on)drill #40 or any small drill size hole on the front and back of each fuel bay.You will have to reefer back to the drawings for the locations.Also drill one or two holes at the outermost bay toward the wing tip.These holes are drilled on the bottom side of the wing.Start filling the tank about 5 gal.at a time,and watch for fuel running out of each bay area.If you see fuel leaking from the 1st bay,you know where the leak is,no guesswork.Do this until the tanks are full and let it sit over night.Hopefully all will be o.k.as mine were. A friend of mine was not as lucky,and we found two separate leaks.But they were easy to fix because we knew where the leaks were.We cut a hole in the top of the wing big enough to see in all areas,approx 6x6,found the area hysoled it up and with proper repair procedure put the cutout section back in,and you cant even tell where it was.One of the leak areas was large enough that it needed hands on filling,no amount of trying to force a sealer in would have worked. One good thing about repairing it this way is that you can see how the wing looks inside,and get a good picture of your squeeze out.I know my friend is a lot happier because know he knows its o.k. P.S. When drilling your holes,make sure you do not drill into the wing spar.I just thought to throw that in,because I know you wouldn't Ken Covington E.S. kbcov@northlink.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>