Fuel tank leaks.

[rrodriguzzi1]

Here’s a few.  Not completely cleaned up yet. Also they used a few blind rivets in this tank. It was probably somebody’s first day or week at the job. And even with this bad rivets it’s been flying since 1968. One of those things. 

Edited November 23, 2022 by rrodriguzzi1
Typing errors

[EricJ]

I'm a bit skeptical of using a brush in there as well, partly just due to advice to not do that, and partly due to the SMM saying to use non-metallic tools to remove the sealant, and partly due to concern for doing damage.    If a metal brush is used for some reason, it should be stainless steel to prevent contamination of the aluminum and subsequent corrosion.

BTW, the SMM also says tank rivets can be restruck once, but many of those look overstruck already.

Edit:  I think I'm recalling now that the sealant may be more prone to leak if there are scratches in the aluminum surface?    Any metallic brush will remove the clad or oxide layer from the aluminum, so I wonder whether that may be a concern as well.

[rrodriguzzi1]

Right, that I will evaluate once everything is cleaned up. 

[Lancer11A]

Polygone is what I used. Resealed both tanks   One in April 21 and the other in August 21.  Here are my before and after   Lots of elbow grease and time  But, no leaks or drips 

 

[rrodriguzzi1]

Great work! Did you do all 4 bays? I have been looking at my outboard one and it looks perfect. Hate to do things half way, but I also don’t like the idea of fixing something that’s not broken. I have seen this with other fuel tanks on vintage aircraft way bigger than a Mooney were we mainly replaced the center section structure of the aircraft / fuel tanks due to be the lowest points were water and moisture rest for the most part. Lots of Sheetmetal work and then reseal. I am using AkzoNobel fuel tank primer on mine just for the age of this aircraft. When it comes to the Polygone… they just need to add a few more revs to it. It’s like using a low speed hand dryer. Also there’s some rivets that I am replacing on mine. There’s are a few leaks thru this rivets which looks like somebody tried to fix before, way back in 1993. Those rivets are located at the inboard side of the left fuel tank. Thanks for sharing your work!

[rrodriguzzi1]

Almost there! Still got to do a final clean up.

[Mooney-Shiner]

On 11/27/2022 at 8:36 AM, Lancer11A said:

Polygone is what I used. Resealed both tanks   One in April 21 and the other in August 21.  Here are my before and after   Lots of elbow grease and time  But, no leaks or drips 

 

 

 

 

Thats an interesting plumbing that you have running to the top inspection plate. What is it?

[Lancer11A]

Yes, resealed the entire tank both sides.