Fuel Tank Leaks

[airguy55]

Good god, the fuel leak problem.  I have done at least 15 complete strip and seals and more "top coats"  Then I care to remember.  My shop had the task of fixing alot of new mooneys that had a leak under the foward wing walk on one particular screw.

It seems when you enter your mooney, you end up with one foot with all your weight on the wing walk.  right under your foot is a panel that has lots of screws and a brace that has 4 more screws holding it up.  the inboard screws always leaked.  we would reseal this panel and replace the foward wing walk leaving a mismatched color.  HINT.  tape off your entire wing walk area and spray paint it semi-gloss black.  It wil look brand new.  Almost a must at the annual if the plane is left outside.

I digress.  If your sealant is good and there is only a seep, have your shop drain the tanks remove panels and coat the entire area with 1005L top coat compound. (Mooney uses this stuff too) This has saved many total strip and reseal jobs.  If the sealant has been "patched"  and they put new sealant on top of old, decaying sealant, there is no help and a total reseal is the way to go.  This is not to be performed by the novice as the job is horrible and the technician will hate you.

I have gotten rid of many seeps by top coating with the 1005l as it is very thin compared to the 1422 sealant, and I have even thined it out with MEK and sprayed it on with a gun and once even a formula 409 bottle.

I use to maintain the Embry Riddle fleet of Mooneys and we saw the most used highest time been thru hell and back flight training Mooneys out there.  We came up with a few AD's lots of SB's and alot of good ideas along the way.  we did 100 hrs every 14 days on average.  Best flight training airplane out there, except for the cowling fasteners wearing thru the cowlings.

[MooneyMitch]

Anyone had experience with Advanced Aviation in Troutdale, OR for fuel leak repairs/tank reseal?  I am told they use the Wilmar method.

[docket]

It's baaaack.  The seeps in the tank are in several spots.  A few on the top of the wing that only leak if I overfill the tank and I have managed those ok and a new rivet leaking under the wing.  Don Maxwell worked on it again and was of the opinion that if it leaked again it was time.  Thus it seems clear that I am ready for a reseal.  Here are the choices - Lone Star Aero (close), Wilmar (quite experienced but very far), Midwest Mooney (polyurethane -- longer warranty but a different product) and Mooney (if anyone responds from there). 

Anyone have a recomendation for a shop?  I am planning to do this at the same time as my annual in June.  Thanks.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Heard nothing but good from Wilmar...hopefully I'll never have to find out for myself.

[bgpilot1]

I have step by step instructions (6 pages) on how to completely strip and reseal a tank along with what you will need.  Feel free to pm me and I can provide the Word doc via email. Based on experience, if you have just the original sealant the job in not too difficult.  But if you have multiple layers of sealant over old sealant, the job will test your patience!

Regards,

Barry

[Skybrd]

Quote: docket

This is an often discussed issue.  I have a seep in my left tank from one rivet.  I never see anything on the ground but I do get a blue stain near the rivet.  Right now I am not real motivated to fix because it is not a safety of flight issue but I expect that it will get worse.  I have heard that Don Maxwell in Longview is the best place in Texas to go to the doctor on this but if any of you have other experiences with the repair let me know. 

[DaV8or]

Quote: Skybrd

I just bought a 1977 J Model Mooney and my left fuel tank leaks. Is there a good shop in California that can repair it near Bakersfield. I hope I don't have to fly to Texas to repair it.

[Skybrd]

Quote: DaV8or

If you want a complete strip and reseal, closest place is in Oregon. The chemicals used are not California friendly. If you just want it patched, maybe try Top Gun in Stockton.

[DonMuncy]

Skybird,

Where is the leak? On the bottom or top?

Don

[MooneyMitch]

I can highly recommend this Mooney Service Center for your tank issues.

Greg Lehman
Advanced Aircraft Services, LLC
Troutdale, OR
503-465-2298

Also, ArtCraft in Santa Maria for your paint process, glass replacement and interior.

[Skybrd]

Quote: DonMuncy

Skybird,

Where is the leak? On the bottom or top?

Don

[Skybrd]

I got my fuel leak fixed locally at Loyd's Aviation Bakersfield, Ca. They had some way to pressurize the tank using the tank vent and found the leak. I'm not sure how they sealed it but it's fixed. Loyd's aviation is at Meadows Field Bakersfield. They have a good FBO. They also changed my brake pads and installed some new fuel cap seals.

[jetdriven]

I think ours is fake then, becaue the 54 gallon bladders are 20 years old, dont leak, and we still have 700-750 mile range. 

Quote: Piloto

You don't have a genuine Mooney unless it shows some leaks.

[DaV8or]

Quote: Skybrd

 Thanks for the info. Where is the shop in Oregon?

[Hank]

Is there anyone in the Midwest? Both wetwingologists in Miami and Paul in Minneapolis have great reviews, but both are >600 nm away. Midwest Mooney is pretty close, but they use polyurethane and charge 30% more. Don Maxwell is likewise >600 nm. Any other options???

[Cris]

Try negotiating with Midwest. They may well be willing to adjust based on market conditions and they are good folks.

[MooneyMitch]

I'm in Hood River Oregon right now on business.  Also, my plane is at Advanced Aircraft Services [MSC] in Troutdale, Oregon for a small tank leak repair. 

Greg's operation here is most professional, accurate and efficient.  He found the little leak immediately and I'll be flying home tomorrow. 

Once again, from my experience with these nice folks, you will not be disappointed with their service.

Up, up and away!!