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Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 07:03:02 -0400
From: "Jeffrey B. Chipetine" <abcrental@erols.com>
Reply-To: abcrental@erols.com
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: John Barrett's fuel tank leaks
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          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
Gentlemen;  

The question of the "Shop Vac" issue causes me to take a moment to
write.  The safe move would be to fill the tank and all lines completely
with a non explosive parts cleaning solution and flush thoroughly (if
using a "parts washer" solution, check the flashpoint before use).Then
drain for testing.

"Shop Vac" brand vacumes are very cheaply made and are spark warehouses. 
Fumes are way more volitale(sp?) than liquid fuel,  The very real danger
of an ignition incident is an incredibly quick "flashback/flashover"
flame till it gets to your fume rich fuel tank.  The quickly expanding
gasses MUST try to escape, and in your closed tank, have no where to go. 
Congratulations on re-inventing the hand grenade.  Splintered fibreglass
makes great shrapnel.  We would miss you and your contributions to this
forum. <BIG FROWN>

An alternative, after evacuating correctly,  why not use a pump type
garden chemical sprayer?  A few pumps will give you the pressure you
need at an inexpensive cost and with complete safety.  Need Vacume you
say?  No problem, just drill through the plastic can, bolt in a fitting,
and fit a one way valve available from McMaster Carr, Grainger, et al.

Sorry about the length, but I've been involved in a fuel tank explosion
and was fortunate enough to have escaped without harm.  Living proof
that God protects idiots like a teenagers in '73, smoking Marlboro Reds
while changing engines on old VW bugs... (Blew the hood and the spare
tire right through the roof of my dad's garage.  Luckily,  the engine on
the bug and my position meant I had "taken cover" from the "incoming".

Work and fly safely, and warm regards for all that contribute to this
terrific exchange of ideas.  ...Jeffrey B. Chipetine

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LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html