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I figured I would start a thread to document the installation of bladders in my C model, I do not believe such a thread exists here yet but someone please correct me otherwise. I will update this thread as I have time to work on the project. I obtained a set of serviceable bladders (54.8 gals) from AirMods, and I purchased the STC and a few misc parts needed to complete the job from Griggs aircraft. I just started the job this weekend so progress will be slow. Here is the bladder setup as it will be installed inside the wing, I am going to be using the new style caps. Fuel senders have been removed, I will be using the new CiES senders in their place. Templates for the new holes that have to be cut in the wing. Template laid out, a little tricky figuring out how to make a hole with a 1.5 radius curve. Cutting into the wings, no turning back now!

Is there any reason I couldn't run a bladder dry? Want to make sure the tanks hold the advertised 27 gallons and I've never had them down below like 10 gallons remaining.

In case you missed this post in another thread..... I got this email from Matt Griggs of Griggs Aviation today (1/7/2016). It doesn't sound like the bladders are orphaned at all: Hello Gus and thank you for contacting us. Yes we bought the STC's for all the fuel system that O&N previously owned. we are continuing to sell parts/ pieces/ support and new kits as well. All of the people that work here used to work for O&N and actually our fuel tank guys are the ones that helped O&N design and build them for all these years. At the moment we are in the process of getting our PMA setup here at our facility just waiting on the blessing from the FAA to be able to complete new kits. In the mean time we have parts we can ship out for people in need. So please let everyone know that nothing has really changed other than the name and location. GRIGGS AIRCRAFT REFINISHING http://www.griggsaircraft.com/ 17 RUNWAY ROAD TUNKHANNOCK, PA 18657 GENER: INFO@GRIGGSAIRCRAFT.COM AVIONICS & PAINT: MATT@GRIGGSAIRCRAFT.COM WOLF AIRCRAFT PRODUCTS: CHRIS@GRIGGSAIRCRAFT.COM (570)

At the risk of committing a faux pas by starting another thread on this topic, I’m looking for advice – what would you do – on resolving a pretty bad fuel leak in the M20J I’m buying. PPI is finished and was done by Joey Cole everything is great except for the tank. I was made aware of a weep by the owner, but this is worse than originally anticipated (SURPRISE!). I’ve searched and read a bunch of threads debating the pros/cons of bladders vs strip/reseal, but I’m interested in thoughts from the brain trust on my situation. I’m not looking for advice on how to negotiate the financial aspect with the seller – just the best/most practical solution and we’ll work out the finances. The right tank has been completely filled and is without leaks. The left tank appears to be leaking mostly from the outboard fuel bay, which is out of compliance with SB M20-230 as fuel isn’t properly flowing from that bay into the others. The leak is so bad that fuel is pooling all the way down in the fuselage under the cabin. Option A – Patch – Joey can attempt to patch the leak ‘enough’ to make it airworthy and resolve the flow between the fuel bays, thus resolving the SB and possibly solving the leak problems. This is a short-term fix, and might buy me a couple years – or it might just get me across the country to do a reseal. Option B – Patch + Reseal – I can do Option A and take the plane straight to Advanced Aircraft in Portland where they’ll do a complete strip/reseal for about $4k per tank and have them just do the left tank. They provide a 5 year warranty (same as bladders, though bladders seem to last much longer). Option C – Bladders – I can order the O&N Bladders (I’d want the 64 gallon to retain the same capacity) and have Joey install them, which saves having the patch before flying, probably eliminates any future fuel problems, but costs 40 lbs useful load and about $13,000 ($8k for the bladders and $5k for install). (edited to add) Option D – Single Tank Ferry – Joey has also suggested that I could fly the aircraft back with 10 gallons in the left tank (just enough for emergency) without it leaking and take it directly to be stripped/resealed. Obviously this will require more fuel stops and some awkward imbalanced flying. Originally, when I thought it was a weep, my plan was to have the reseal done on the weeping tank for $4k and I was prepared for that cost as part of the acquisition. Now that it could be $5k + future problems, it is starting to make some sense to consider just having Joey do the bladders and put that planned money towards that project. The last consideration is time. Bladders will be 3 weeks. The strip/reseal will be 3 weeks, or maybe 4 weeks for both wings. If he patches, that’s a week, plus the 3 or 4 weeks after that for the strip/reseal. There’s a certain elegance of having Joey do the bladders and then pick up a near-perfect airplane that doesn’t need any immediate work. OTOH, the delta of $8k is a big downside for me. Sorry for the epic novel. What would you choose?