Fuel tank testing

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I tested QB fuel tanks in several ways:

  • Baloon test – test the circumference over 24 hrs
  • Soap test high concentration of washing up liquid – look for bubbles
  • Manometer test – 700 mm column of water. Look for change at constant temp and atmospheric pressure

All tests are tempo and pressure-dependent. Probably the manometer is the most reliable if done the same temp to the same temp over x hrs. I pressured the tank to about 700 mm (using my lungs) and watched for a change over 24 hrs. The pressure initially changes as the temperature of the air equalises. In my case, both tanks were absolutely fine no leaks whatsoever.

Less impressive were the 2 rivet tails found in each tank. Anyway managed to remove them out through the filler cap.

Talking of filler caps. My QB tank has a ‘feature’. The filler cap receptacle is not aligned correctly.

Attaching the fuel tanks to the wings took a long time, to align and figure out how the brackets go.

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