Center section leading edge fuel tank leak

[crxcte]

I have a small leak in the center leading edge fuel tank compartment of a F model.   The access panel on top is in the back so the nearest leading edge access is the bottom panel.  There isn't a way to view exactly where the leak is coming from.  The leading edge access panels are at each side of the center tank compartment and there is a bulk head blocking the view.  I've tried patch guessing in the past only to put fuel in and find out it was a bad guess.  

 

Anyone have any experience pin-pointing the location in this area of the fuel tank?

 

 

[Skybrd]

You might want to call Loyds Aviation maintenance shop in Bakersfield, Ca and see if they can help. My son's E model Mooney just had some leak problems and they put some sealer put in the tank to fix it. They once fixed a few leaks on my 201 Mooney. Sorry I don't have the phone number but you can google it to find it.

[crxcte]

I'm in Oklahoma, wanted to get some information then get with my mechanic and address the issue.  He has done this before and to drain the tank, pop the access panel, set a patch, clean up the mess, and reseal the panel took just a couple hours.  Just need to get the patch right.

[mike_elliott]

I'm in Oklahoma, wanted to get some information then get with my mechanic and address the issue.  He has done this before and to drain the tank, pop the access panel, set a patch, clean up the mess, and reseal the panel took just a couple hours.  Just need to get the patch right.

 

Might I suggest you Take it to Don Maxwell or to Paul Beck, it will get done right. If it has the original sealant, it may be about time that it needs to be totally resealed, depending on the condition of what you have left. About 10 years ago, I chased leaks in my F, having Kevin Surrell fix them, Don fix them etc. At first, I thought they didn't get the leaks fixed, then realized I was just springing new ones. A total reseal was in order before the new paint was going on, and after a long, careful evaluation of Midwest M20's urethane sealant, Bladders, and Weep No More's polygone strip an seal process, I selected Weep no More. 

If you take it to Paul, he can patch a leak in a few hours and will find it, no guesswork. Your only issue will be if it is going to need another leak patched in a few years or less if original. The new sealants will last longer than the original factory stuff and as long as bladders if you keep the tanks topped off. Bladders will dryrot also if you don't keep them topped off also.