Matt's RV-8 Project



Matt Dralle's RV-8 Project
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Date:  2-28-2010
Number of Hours:  1.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Closing The Left & Right Fuel Tanks - Part 3

So back to closing the fuel tanks. I did the right fuel tank first. I added the fuel pickup tube using a nice amount of ProSeal, then proceeded to form an in-place gasket using the ProSeal around the large hole in the fuel tank end. I put the end cap on and then carefully added the screws in an alternating pattern. I tighten the screws to just "snug" so as to not completely squeeze out all of the ProSeal. I then added a generous helping of ProSeal around the hole for the fuel sender. I got the probe and tried to insert it... I could get it into the hole, but I couldn't get the sender tube into the correct orientation!! There wasn't enough clearance inside the tank to turn it!! I couldn't believe it! Imagine how much cussing there was? Oh, and don't forget that the batch of ProSeal (two-part mix of "expensive"), has a pot-life of about 30 minutes!! I quickly backed all of the screws out of the cover plate, pulled the plate back just enough to get the fuel level probe turned around into the correct orientation, and then used a fresh batch of screws to screw it all back together. All just before the ProSeal hardened. Arg!! Talk about stressful. I kind of made a little bit of a mess with all of the screws in and out, but over all not too bad.

When I went to do the Left side, I was well prepared for the sequence of events necessary. The Left side went pretty smoothly and I didn't even have to take any screws out! Looks pretty professional!

So that would be the finishing touch to the wings. They are literally, ready to bolt on and fly! Well, assuming the fuel tanks don't leak... ;-)
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Right Gasket In Place For Fuel Probe

Right Gasket In Place For Fuel Probe

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Right Cover Installation Complete

Right Cover Installation Complete

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Left Fuel Cover Parts

Left Fuel Cover Parts

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