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From: Bulent Aliev <atlasyts@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Auto Fuel - composite tanks
Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:32:06 -0400
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>

Al, I just finished repairing my fuel gauges. Same problem like =20
yours. I'm surprised Vance did not issue a notice to everyone =20
regarding this problem?
Now the fuel tank leaks are very disturbing. Can't imagine cutting =20
the tanks open. Than what? I had auto fuel in my tanks for over a =20
year and have no indications of any leaks yet? they are made with =20
EZPoxy like yours.
Bulent "Buly" Aliev
FXE Ft lauderdale, FL
http://tinyurl.com/s5xw8


On Jul 31, 2006, at 1:14 PM, Al Gietzen wrote:

> Not sure where to go with this because there are only a few here =20
> with epoxy fuel tanks, and on the Velocity list very few interested =20=

> in the use of mogas.  I=92m suspecting fuel compatibility isses.
>
>
> I first put fuel in the tanks nearly 2 years ago and used Chevron =20
> regular. Everything was fine.  When I moved the plane to the =20
> airport 3 months ago (tanks empty) I filled with Exxon-Mobile.  =20
> Four troubling things have come up in the past few weeks.
>
>
> I have Vance Atkinson site gauge that has a white plastic back =20
> plate for easier reading of the fuel level. The small hole through =20
> the backing has been swelling shut so the sight gauge no longer =20
> works. I contacted Vance who said that there are hundreds of these =20
> gauges in EZs using mogas without problems, but he has had 3 =20
> incidents like mine in the last three months.
> A couple of weeks ago there was suddenly a pinhole leak in one of =20
> the gear well enclosures.  These enclosures are part of the fuel =20
> tank wall, and are parts that come with the Velocity kit.  These =20
> are also made and coated with EZ-poxy.
> Looking in through the filler cap I see reddish-purple splotches =20
> and streaks on those gear leg enclosures.  Poking and scratching =20
> with some safety wire on a stick does not indicate any softness of =20
> the surface.
> Yesterday, under the leading edges of one of the strakes, I noted =20
> an area with some slight surface irregularity.  Pushing on it =20
> suggests some sponginess.  This is =BD=94 foam core material, and =20
> indicates the possibility of a pinhole leak in the inner skin, and =20
> fuel softening the PVC foam.  PVC foam is supposed to be unaffected =20=

> by fuel.
>
> My tanks (strakes) were made and coated with EZ-poxy back in 1998.  =20=

> At the time I polled EZ flyers about there experience, and talked =20
> to reps of various epoxy manufacturers about auto fuel =20
> compatibility.  All the evidence said go with the EZ-poxy.
>
>
> Any others with composite tanks having any trouble?  Anybody using =20
> Exxon-mobile fuel?  Know of any new additives that are an issue?
>
>
> I=92m thinking I should drain this fuel ASAP, but then what?  Other =20=

> brand?  That expensive Avgas?  Regardless I may be faced with =20
> cutting open a strake at some point, but right now we are trying to =20=

> get first flight done this coming weekend.
>
>
>
>