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Bruces S-19 Build Log
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Date:  3-25-2012
Number of Hours:  8.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Pressure tested tank - home made manometer.

The assembly instructions call out a fuel tank pressure test to 1.5 psi. I made up a u-tube manometer with some clear plastic tubing (1/4 inch ID) and an old bicycle tube. After capping the outlet and return fuel line fittings, a segment of clear tubing was slid over the tank vent line. This was spliced into a piece of bicycle tube, and the other end of the bicycle tube was spliced into some more clear tube. I used tube repair cement and a wrap of wire to do this. The clear tube was run up a stick clamped to the work bench and is open on the end (It must be open on the top!). Since 1.5 psi corresponds to 3.5 feet of water column height, I filled the inner tube with water and marked on the bottom of the stick where the water level was at zero pressure. I made another mark on the stick 3.5 feet above the first mark. I then filled the tank with air through the bicycle tube valve until the top of the water column was level with the upper mark, 1.5 psi. Worked very well, there was no possibility of over pressurizing the tank and is extremely accurate.
The bicycle tube needs to be long enough so that it has enough water in the bottom of it to fill the 3.5 foot water column when pressure is applied.
(Density of water = 62.4 lbs/cubic ft. This is 0.0361 lbs/cubic inch. For 1.5 psi: 1.5 (lb/in^2)/.0361 (lbs/in^3) = 41.5 inches or 3.5 ft.)
I used soapy water to check all fittings and fuel sender gasket for leaks. All ok except for a small leak at the tank cap. I will fix that tomorrow.
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U-tube manometer setup, tank on right being tested

U-tube manometer setup, tank on right being tested

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Bicycle tube water reservoir and air fill valve

Bicycle tube water reservoir and air fill valve

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Top of the water column at 1.5 psi

Top of the water column at 1.5 psi

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