Seep turns to leak?

[panther1400]

If a tank has some fuel on the outside of the tank (not puddles, just damp "seep") could it last years or is it just a short time and it will be leaking and dripping.  I know it is just a guess and anything could happen but has anyone a tank that seeps for years before it turns into a leak?

 

Another thought is do you guys know how much it costs to reseal tanks and also do the corrision treatment in the wings and cockpit?

[rbridges]

Quote: panther1400

If a tank has some fuel on the outside of the tank (not puddles, just damp "seep") could it last years or is it just a short time and it will be leaking and dripping.  I know it is just a guess and anything could happen but has anyone a tank that seeps for years before it turns into a leak?

 

Another thought is do you guys know how much it costs to reseal tanks and also do the corrision treatment in the wings and cockpit?

[MooneyMitch]

With my experience, seeps can last for years without becoming an actual drip.  It could be a safety issue though.  It would be my advice to have an expert check that for you.  It appears you are in MN so Wilmar might be the logical choice for your inspection.

 

[panther1400]

The plane I am looking at is in Colorado and being inspected and this is the report I have gotten so far.

[carusoam]

Fuel has such low viscosity, if it is seeping, it will be going away by the gallon.

Often fuel seeps will be above the fuel level at the top of the tank.  During your pre-buy, you would want to fill'er up and see what happens.  The mooney maintenance manuals give guidelines on what an acceptable seep is for safety purposes.  Basically if they are damp (leak) while you are looking at them, that is bad. 

often the leak can be attributed to a specific point, screw or rivet.  Sometimes the seals for the fuel levels can give out.  These leaks are not the bad ones.

Leaky fuel tanks are a big pain.

Just my thoughts on a tough topic....

-a-

 

 

[panther1400]

Yes the fuel senders are also leaking.

[Piloto]

Fuel leaks are more noticeable during the winter than in summer. This is due to the evaporation rate at warmer temperatures. Leaks are first visible on the internal dry structure of the wing. If the temperature is too hot the fuel will evaporate before showing on the outside. If it is cold the fuel will not evaporate and continue running down as liquid until it finds an opening to the outside and then shows a visible stain. It is no unusual to buy a Mooney during the summer with no leaks just to find out leaks during winter.

José

  

[panther1400]

So if we see them now they will get worse this winter then?

[Piloto]

Quote: panther1400

So if we see them now they will get worse this winter then?

[Cris]

You are definitely gambling with your $'s if you purchase any Mooney A/C with signs of a fuel leak. Costs can range from $1000/tank for a simple reseal to $5000/tank or more to strip & reseal not to mention cosmetics ie repainting the access panals which may or may not match. However Wilmar is known as an outstanding place to take a Mooney for tank work. In my case I paid $2800 a few months back to reseal both tanks. The previous owner had an estimate of $1500 which I agreeded to at time of sale but in the end I decided to have my local MSC do the work as opposed to ferrying it back to the sellers mechanic together with all the attendant costs for airline tickets, hotel etc.. At the time of purchase I did not realize that the sellers mechanic had actually resealed the tanks just 7 hrs before I purchased the A/C & they were again leaking so I definitely did not want him doing the work. Also when I purchased the A/C It was only half full of fuel.  After full fueling for my first leg home, the wing walk material blew off in flight due to a top tank leak which was not obvious since the tanks were not full during the pre buy. Obviously there are a lot of variables with tank work & it can be a big $ surprise. I count myself lucky with my experience for it could have been a real nightmare. Consider holding funds in escrow & having the work done at Wilmar once an estimate can be made.

[Cris]

Duplicate

[Ncbosshoss]

We are flying ours to Paul at Weepnomore the last week of October for a reseal on both tanks. We are only seeping right now, but it is enough to start removing paint underneath.

 

Chris

[GeorgePerry]

If it's leaking, seeping or dripping, get it fixed.  Lots and lots of posts on tank reseals and bladder mods.  Try the search function.  As for cost, plan on anywhere between $6-8K good luck.

[KSMooniac]

Quote: Piloto

 You bet

[jetdriven]

4 grand more than a reseal patch job gets you bladders and loses 30 pounds useful load. They never leak again.  Its been discussed ad nauseum on here, but have a look.