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Header tank
Header tank
16 Jan 2025 15:31 #1
by Matt Gunsch
I have a scrap fuselage I am working at seeing what it would take to get an approval to do something like that.
A&P, IA, PPSEL
too many years GA and Warbird Maint
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15 Jan 2025 13:53 #2
by Larry Snyder
I know someone who replaced the rivets on the cowl top with screws. I have no idea if that’s legal. As someone who’s had it done twice, I sure could have used something like that. I think each time it cost $2800 and that was many years ago.
The following user(s) said Thank You: James Davis
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15 Jan 2025 13:47 - 15 Jan 2025 13:48 #3
by James Davis
Really? Designed it with 10 yr lifespan in mind? Then it is a miracle they are still flying!
But also in my defense, at least a genius like Mr. Weick should've designed at least some sort of access from the top.
Like I mentioned before; Either a large hinged access panel for maintenance of this tank including removal/replacement or at least a simple visual inspection panel access to make that job possible without taking the whole plane apart!
But what do I know? Mine is just a wishful thinking of an owner who is getting ready to spend almost $4000 for possibly to seal a hairline crack!
Last edit: 15 Jan 2025 13:48 by James Davis.
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15 Jan 2025 07:32 #4
by Larry Snyder
In Mr. Weick’s defense, the Ercoupe was designed with a 10-year lifespan in mind. Additionally, he designed the fuel system to be as safe as possible. A fuel pump failure isn’t a problem, and if you run out of gas you really aren’t paying any attention to your airplane. Perhaps he calculated that it was more likely that a pump failure would happen or low fuel would be noticed than the header tank would fail in those 10 years.
I’ve had my header tank R&R’d twice at great expense. I learned that if you have to do that, put back the absolute best tank you can. It’s really annoying to have to do it again. I had to find a new mechanic the second time because they will usually only do it once in their lifetime…
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14 Jan 2025 21:34 - 14 Jan 2025 21:34 #5
by James Davis
I tried Vernon as first choice of course but he doesn't have one in good shape. Still I've purchased an old used leaking 5 gal tank from him. I'll tell my aluminum welder /fabricator guy to use that one as pattern in case I have to go thru the custom built route...
Oh the fun of owning a 1946 airplane...
Still I wonder how in the world a genius like Mr. Weick didn't plan an easy maintenance access to the header tank from the top or simply create the fuel system only with wing tanks like most other planes.
I wonder why he thought the flying with a gas tank on your lap is a great design for a pilot?
Last edit: 14 Jan 2025 21:34 by James Davis.
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14 Jan 2025 14:41 #6
by Keith Whitcomb
Before you have one fabricated, try Vernon Gregory @ skyport he probably has a good used one.
I have read on another website having to do with experimental aircraft that Green Loctite 290 has worked for some small leaks.
I have had a more than a few rivets weep on my wing tanks. I drilled them out and replaced them with cherry max rivets coated in pro seal.
If I had a seam that was leaking, I think I would clean it up and draw a SMALL vacuum in the tank. Mix proseal sealant thinned with MEK to be drawn into the seam.
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