Jump to content

231 Fuel Tank Reseal


Recommended Posts

Against my better judgment, breaking squelch on a renewed tank reseal thread.

After years of unsuccessful hired out and expensive patchjobs, I finally bit the bullet and did the complete strip and reseal by a pro.  This unavoidable decision point came when Istarted to smell traces of fuel in the cockpit. 

Selected the Wet-Wingologist(Edison)in Fla option.  Prices abt the same with 7yr transferable warranty and good inexpensive options in the unlikely event there is an issue after the 7th yr. 
I developed a solid relationship with Edison, owner of Wet-Wingologists to understand his process, background, experience and finally pressed the I believe you button.
Fuel tank specific DNA below:
  • 24 yrs fuel tank specific experience with naval aviation then GA fuel tank roots.
  • True fuel tank pro/specialist-He only does fuel tanks and has seen it all when it comes to Mooney tanks-no other maintenance distractions that reside in other maintenance facilities. 
  • Microscopic Attention to detail in the removal of tank components, stripping, access panels, cleaning/degreasing/metal preps, inspections, adhesion promoters, PPG sealants, sealant protection overcoats, gasket replace, and pressure tests. The process is solid with little room for disappointment.  
  • He can flex 4x slots each month-he had me in the shop 2 weeks after I called-sure he can accommodate specific timelines. 
  • Does not outsource his work!
  • Location matters: The year round Florida heat is critically conducive towards the curing process-there is no artificial heat substitute in my view.

Lessons reinforced:

  • Patch jobs can be expensive losing battles
  • There are equally reputable and guaranteed options
  • Consider Wet-Wingologists-you will not be disappointed

Picked up my K @KFXE  few wks ago and on my 3rd refuel ecstatic to have resolved my Numero Uno maintenance concern. 

Wet Wingologists has earned  A+++ rating.

Do other Wet Wingologists customers agree with this assessment? 

Just wanted to report - pass any fuel tank specific questions VFR-Direct to Edison(954)WET-9390.

“Rico” out

N231C

Edited by Flyin Bullfrog
typos
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wet wingologists did a full reseal on my previously owned 201 a few years back and did a great job. I also recommended him to a friend of mine who owns an early Ovation and he did a nice job on his reseal also. Your right about a patch job they never work out, I tried it twice before I finally brought it to Edison. I would recommend him to any Mooney owner with leaking fuel tanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He did my Rocket not too long after I purchased it (17 years ago).  I had resealed 3 different Mooney tanks myself, and decided I was NOT doing any more.  He resealed both original tanks and installed the long range tanks as well.  I had a small issue after getting home with a TKS hose rubbed through from not being secured afterwards (Upper Michigan) and he was fair to work with on that too.  Haven't had a leak since.  I would strongly recommend his company.

Tom

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wet Wings is great! Did my C in '09. It's a great feeling! Met me at FXE at lunch and drove me to the other airport to fly the airlines home. He finished on schedule and at the agreed upon price. Redid the wing walk for me, too, so it would all match after taking out the inspection panel under it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They did the tanks in my plane two owners ago in 2012. The left tank has no leaks but the right tank will have a little seepage if I fill it past about 22-23 gallons. I called and talked with him on the phone about it. Yes he will honor the warranty, but I would need to get it to him. (I'm in California and he's in the other side of the country). There are still almost two years left on the warranty. He said that if I wanted to plan a trip there he would get me taken care of. After describing the leak he thinks he knows what it is and would be able to quickly remedy it. (According to him probably a bubble in the sealant that he can easily find and fix). If I can't get out to him he said he would send me a check and I could have someone else fix the leak. (I can't remember for how much but it was the equivalent of a few hours work and a can of sealant.) The downside is if I went that route then the warranty ends immediately as he would not be responsible for someone else opening up the tank which is completely understandable.

I told him there is a chance I will plan a vacation out his way in my plane in the next couple of years, and stopping a few gallons shy of a full tank is not too big an inconvenience right now. So, I will live with it for now and see what vacation plans come up in the next year or so. If I'm not going to go out that way in the plane I will take him up on the check offer and find someone locally that could hopefully fix the issue.

Very nice guy, very helpful on the phone. If I lived on that side of the country and was considering a complete strip/re-seal he would be at or near the top of the list.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Skates97 said:

They did the tanks in my plane two owners ago in 2012. The left tank has no leaks but the right tank will have a little seepage if I fill it past about 22-23 gallons. I called and talked with him on the phone about it. Yes he will honor the warranty, but I would need to get it to him. (I'm in California and he's in the other side of the country). There are still almost two years left on the warranty. He said that if I wanted to plan a trip there he would get me taken care of. After describing the leak he thinks he knows what it is and would be able to quickly remedy it. (According to him probably a bubble in the sealant that he can easily find and fix). If I can't get out to him he said he would send me a check and I could have someone else fix the leak. (I can't remember for how much but it was the equivalent of a few hours work and a can of sealant.) The downside is if I went that route then the warranty ends immediately as he would not be responsible for someone else opening up the tank which is completely understandable.

I told him there is a chance I will plan a vacation out his way in my plane in the next couple of years, and stopping a few gallons shy of a full tank is not too big an inconvenience right now. So, I will live with it for now and see what vacation plans come up in the next year or so. If I'm not going to go out that way in the plane I will take him up on the check offer and find someone locally that could hopefully fix the issue.

Very nice guy, very helpful on the phone. If I lived on that side of the country and was considering a complete strip/re-seal he would be at or near the top of the list.

I've got the plan for you!! Fly out next winter and drop it off down there for the repair.  I'll pop down from Spruce Creek in the Lancair and pick you and your wife up for a day or two on the Creek, immersed in the most awesome aviation environment for your mini vacation!  

Tom

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frank

Tks for the comments re: My Avatar

Related to my aviation upholstery bsns that I will expand when I retire fm the military after 40yrs  this July.  The Mooney(for Mooney interior work, quick turn around(7-10 days) and hanger side pick up/delivery when feasible),  The frog and Trident(I am a SEAL with 2 of 9 lives left). Needle and thread spool(upholstery and many yrs as a military and FAA parachute rigger).     Interior work and exercising my ATP in part-time corp. pilot work.  This is my "boss of me" plan.

"Rico"

N231C

   

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Yooper Rocketman said:

I've got the plan for you!! Fly out next winter and drop it off down there for the repair.  I'll pop down from Spruce Creek in the Lancair and pick you and your wife up for a day or two on the Creek, immersed in the most awesome aviation environment for your mini vacation!  

Tom

Hmmm... That's tempting. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, helitim said:

Skates,

if you've never been to Spruce Creek, don't go.  It will make you want to sell everything and move.

 

Does selling everything include my plane? If it's everything except the plane I might consider it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Skates97 said:

Does selling everything include my plane? If it's everything except the plane I might consider it. 

You could even sell the plane, there's plenty of them at Spruce.  Hangars are wide open.  Just go pick one. 

In all sincerity, that is one place I could live and be happy.  It is an Aviators dream environment.  We spent the week down there last month and I had a job interview.  If they make me an offer, I will be making an offer on a property we looked at.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, helitim said:

You could even sell the plane, there's plenty of them at Spruce.  Hangars are wide open.  Just go pick one. 

In all sincerity, that is one place I could live and be happy.  It is an Aviators dream environment.  We spent the week down there last month and I had a job interview.  If they make me an offer, I will be making an offer on a property we looked at.  

Sorry it didn't work out with my timing meeting you during your trip there.  I ended up down there the very next week.  Went down with my wife on Friday the 21st and came back on the following Wednesday.  My wife heard we were getting snow on Thursday in the U.P. so asked if she could stay until Saturday, reminding me I WANTED to get more hours on the plane.  Due to weather I went down on Friday, the 28th to pick her up.  

Skates will need to schedule his fuel tank repair in the winter if he wants to take me up on my offer, as this Yooper will not be going down to Florida during the hot months!!

Tom

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Yooper Rocketman said:

Skates will need to schedule his fuel tank repair in the winter if he wants to take me up on my offer, as this Yooper will not be going down to Florida during the hot months!!

Tom

I don't want to go to Florida during the hot months either... I got enough of those flying in 90-100+ degree temps last year while working on my PPL. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.