mike_elliott Posted February 11, 2014 Report Posted February 11, 2014 No, not at all, and no more so than from folks defending the bladders they already have, and not wanting to have potential buyers, some day, worried about their efficacy. I suggest Bob, that the most objective opinion is from an informed owner who has no leaks. I have been watching, listening and evaluating for years in anticipation of an event I hope never occurs. What i report is first hand accounts from Mooney owners, several of whom were at the Mooney Summit, A&P's over the years, and first hand from a buddy with a Bonanza who had ongoing rubber issues. Bruce was quite detailed and I think fair, with his presentation. There are many factors to evaluate, and an owner who has bladders with issues might be hesitant to broadcast it for fear of lowering the perceived value of his plane. When your bladders were installed it was a good choice. Truth be known, for a long time it was probably a push on which way you went. For ME, now, with the process Weep No More has perfected over the years, it's an easy choice, that I hope not to need to make. No condoms for me! Your leak protection may vary What he said! There was no hidden agenda from Paul Beck or Bruce when they presented the facts of tank leaks and what are the options you had. It was simply knowledge transfer. Paul is booked thru June right now and quite frankly isn't worried about more business, but rather quality help to address the long line he has. His business is fueled by the fact that the factory didn't always do it right in the first place, or technology didn't exist in the sealants for allowing abuse ( I.E. leaving a wing empty on a Tucson tie down for a month --- oh and do that with a bladder and see what happens) not that wet wings are bad and going to leak. When I made the choice many years ago, I was concerned about bladders trapping moisture between themselves and the spar more than the projected lifespan of the bladders.
Guest Posted February 11, 2014 Report Posted February 11, 2014 I would be curious to know how many airplanes with leaking wet wings have old rock hard gear shock discs and the wrong ply rating tires? While some leaks may come from production quality issues, loads transmitted to the wing spar from the gear may be part of the problem. Clarence
rbridges Posted February 11, 2014 Report Posted February 11, 2014 John, This picture from two days ago shows all of the external changes to the top of your wing from a 64 gallon bladder installation. Note, though, that I have the "$2500" Shaw fuel caps (that I bought a brand new spare for for $70 on eBay) and your new installation will be different in that regard. Good luck in making the choice that is right for you. Jim I had to replace a fuel cap (long story, my fault), and the newer ones run around $200 with shipping.
Mooneymite Posted February 11, 2014 Report Posted February 11, 2014 Wnhy I'm defending Burce is beyond me. Were we in the same room???? This is silly and pointless. No need to defend Bruce! I am certainly not attacking him. In the presentation, Bruce came across as a master of his craft. Were I to re-seal, it would be with Bruce's process. We've had countless discussions on the subject of what to do about leaks. Happily, there are two viable options: re-seal, or bladders. Choosing one does not condemn the other. Each owner facing leaking tanks decides what the best solution for him is, but we are not choosing between a good and a bad solution. We get to choose between two proven good solutions. Aint that great? If anyone thought I was criticizing Bruce, or his process I apologize. I hold him in high regard. 2
John Pleisse Posted February 11, 2014 Author Report Posted February 11, 2014 John, This picture from two days ago shows all of the external changes to the top of your wing from a 64 gallon bladder installation. Note, though, that I have the "$2500" Shaw 457-370 fuel caps (that I bought a brand new spare for for $70 on eBay) and your new installation will be different in that regard. Good luck in making the choice that is right for you. Jim Robe, The caps and panels are flush. I am going to go ahead and do it. Half of me says strip the avionics out and start fresh with another bird. We'll see. I am doing tanks, re-skin all control surfaces (hail, hangar rash and poor prior re-skinning), cowling work, sculpted tips and fresh paint. A two year project. Doing the tank install with my IA, may PM you. John 1
Mooneymite Posted February 19, 2014 Report Posted February 19, 2014 Here's all you need... Perfect! And it works on oil leaks and low compressions, too......I'm sure.
flyboy Posted February 19, 2014 Report Posted February 19, 2014 My M20B has had O and N bladders for 22 years. I keep full tanks most of the time. No complaints. 1
Recommended Posts