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Fuel Tank Filler Neck

PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2020 11:26 am
by bvolcko38
A friend with an older Sonex had the embedded inserts in the fuel tank. They were leaking and covered with pro-seal, a gray rubbery sealant.
We took off the windshield, glare shield, Instrument panel and removed fuel tank for In the process of fixing the leaks by removing existing fittings and replacing with OOPS fittings. A big job but with 4 or 5 guys, many hands make light work. The filler neck had spray foam around the sides front and back and on top of the spray foam was a black epoxy type surface that protected the foam and sloped to a drain that passed through the side of the filler neck box of the firewall and down a drain tube. We would like to duplicate that black epoxy-like surface and I would like to add the same to my Xenos. Any ideas what that compound might be?

Thanks

Re: Fuel Tank Filler Neck

PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2020 12:52 pm
by sonex1374
Bill,

I've had good luck using "Ultra Black" RTV sealant to form a protective coating in the fuel filler drip pan. This formula of RTV is very fuel and oil resistant, and holds up well. Another formula that works well is called 'The Right Stuff" sealant, found at many large auto stores. It's a bit more expensive, but works very well.

Ultra Black RTV
https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-85080-6PK-Resistencia-fabricante-PowerBead/dp/B0002UEN1U/ref=sr_1_2

The Right Stuff
https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-85224-Right-Gasket-PowerBead/dp/B001BAH5DI/ref=sr_1_5

Jeff

Re: Fuel Tank Filler Neck

PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2020 11:20 pm
by peter anson
I would suggest you make a dam from sheet aluminium (as shown in photo below) and seal around it with a fuel tank sealant such as PR1422, Proseal or Chemseal. I have used the PR1422 and it adheres well to the fuel tank.
Image
8 years and counting. I would have spilled fuel into the cabin on at least half a dozen times without this.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/ppgsemkit09-04703.php

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/fueltanksealants/chemseal09-04612.php

Peter

Re: Fuel Tank Filler Neck

PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2020 11:36 pm
by Rynoth
I stuffed some clean shop rags in around the filler neck. If I have a spill I can just pull them out, discard and replace them later. Haven't actually had to do that yet. Lightweight, cheap and effective.

Re: Fuel Tank Filler Neck

PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2020 7:32 am
by GraemeSmith
peter anson wrote:Image
8 years and counting. I would have spilled fuel into the cabin on at least half a dozen times without this.
Peter

Nice fuel cap! Where did you get it? (I have a funny feeling you are going to tell me you made it......)

Re: Fuel Tank Filler Neck

PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2020 10:07 am
by builderflyer
And, Peter makes these beautiful fuel caps available to the rest of us. One of the most appreciated additions to my Sonex.

Art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Sonex taildragger #95,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Jabiru 3300 #261