|
|
|
|
Pete's RV-8 Web Site
|
Date: 12-1-2009
|
Number of Hours: 2.00
|
Manual Reference:
|
Brief Description: Leak testing left fuel tank
|
|
I had ordered the tank leak test kit from Van's earlier so this evening I decided to begin the test. The kit includes a fitting to seal the fuel pick-up connection and a valve stem to install in the tank drain. I purchased some party balloons from Walmart, mixed up some water-soap solution, and borrowed Connie's small paint brushes.
The fuel filler cap was installed as well as the valve stem and fuel pick-up fitting. I made a short copper tube formed at 90 degrees for connecting the balloon to the fuel tank vent line. The balloon was taped tightly to the copper tube. Not having a bicycle pump handy, I removed the core from the valve stem and inflated the tank/balloon with lung power. The core was then re-installed before any appreciable pressure was lost.
For reference, I placed an outline of a quarter on the balloon surface so I could take easy measurements over time to see if the balloon was deflating. Next, using an artist brush and the water-soap solution, I coated every rivet, seam, and potential leak point looking for any sign of bubbles. This bubble test was actually performed twice just to be sure. Thankfully, the bubble test detected no air leaks.
The tank was then moved inside to our dining room table to ensure a more stable temperature and humidity environment. The balloon will be observed with particular attention being given to the outlined quarter. By the way, when the tank was moved from the garage to the house there was a +10 degrees F temperature difference. After a couple hours, the quarter-sized circle on the balloon did indeed expand slightly.
As of this evening, 1 Dec at 2300 (8 hours into the test) there is no change in the balloon except for the slight expansion due to the temperature increase. A cautious YIPPEE is warranted.
|
|
Leak Test
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.
|
