LH Fuel Tank...Leak ? ( 2 hrs )
Removed 21 AN3 bolts along Spar to Tank, and 77 Screws along Skin perimeter. Supported tank until all removed. Remaining plywood was perfect "shelf" on Wing cradle to support the tank cradles. I used some thin, relatively soft epoxy stir sticks to assist Skin off of dimples. It was easier than I'd imagined (hope relatively easy to re-install...gulp!).
After thorough inspection with very soapy bubbles, I
cannot find a leak ! Expected at either outboard end Rib, or along Z Brackets. NONE anywhere - I even re-checked all the surface top and bottom rivets, and at fuel cap. Yet the balloon slowly lost pressure over 5 hrs. Atmospheric pressure was holding steady, and the room temp was stable. When I checked the RH tanks more than a month ago, the balloon held pressure for 2-3 times longer ( I essentially could detect no loss of balloon size). I'll call Van's builder support Monday to explore next step....?
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| NO LEAKS ! |
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| clear tape over fuel cap |
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| after 5 hrs... not totally deflated, but almost. |
