Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #39479
From: James Maher <deltaflyer@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Re: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:55:41 -0700 (PDT)
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Ernest,
I have all but completely given up on the aluminum tank for this application.
That is why I am looking for other alternatives.
I even looked into rotational molding, which would have been an ideal solution except for the cost of the mold.
After much labor the alum. tank was at the point where it held air pressure for over 40 hours.
Then I put 5 gallons of fuel in it and it began leaking in at least half a dozen places.
Not bad leaks mind you.
Almost undetectable little weepage.
Not even a drip. But leaks none the less.
I've pruven to myself that I cannot weld aluminum with a oxy/acet torch.
 
On a positive note I have iterated the design of the tank so many times (in Autocad) that I have a much better design (shape) now, at least for my application and can't wait to build it.
It will be close to 50 gallons and have the Cof G much further back than the original design.
It will also allow for more usable fuel.
With the former design I would have had to keep a minimum of 10 gallons to prevent unporting the outlet. I wanted to reduce this to a more reasonable amount of un-usable fuel.
I'll let you know when N11XD is back in the air.
Jim

Ernest Christley <echristley@nc.rr.com> wrote:
James Maher wrote:
> Is there anyone in this group who is running Mogas with ethanol exclusively and also has
> fiberglass fuel tank(s)?
>
Jim, did you give up on the aluminum tank?
I've been hoping for a message that you were flying again.

--
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in
a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, with chocolate in one hand and wine in
the other, loudly proclaiming 'WOO HOO What a Ride!'"
--Unknown


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