Alum. header tank question. KF IV

[Paul Z]

Here is my other plastic tank, as you can see both had leaks!

[Paul Z]

If you need more photos please feel free to ask.

[Eric]

Hello
I have also a plastic headertank and it looks good.
Where are they leaking ,at te fittings or is the plastic not fuelproof and will it sweat?
Eric

[Paul Z]

Both of mine leaked at the fittings. They would not tighten up and the sealant didn't seal adequately. See above two pictures to see where they leaked, The Header tank that is leaking from the top ( the picture posted Yesterday, 10:57 PM) is the one that was in my plane when I purchased it. I went to go flying with my wife the first time, and we opened the door, and the plane reeked of Gas Fumes. I replaced it with the second tank, (the picture posted at Yesterday, 10:59 PM) which leaked from the side fitting. I finally replaced it with the aluminum tank. Since then my wife has never been willing to go flying in the plane!

[beeryboats]

Thanks for all the photos Paul. My IV is plumbed WAY different than your aircraft. A retrofit of that magnitude is out of the question. I saw no signs of leaks but the outlet was plugged solid. My IV has been setting for 10 years! So I opted for the aluminum tank upgrade based on stories like yours. Little did I know that it was designed for the four stroke engine and mounted lower in the airframe. I think I can make it work mounted where the old poly tank was hanging. I'm still toying around with the idea of installing the sump drain in the tank even though access would be tough. It might be useful in the future.

I'm still thinking about how to put a real low point drain where it should be. Right next to the pilot's seat. Not the easiest place, but it is the low point configured as a tail dragger.
Jay

[Wheels]

Here is a pic of my mod IV aluminum header tank install. the drain is way easy. I use the tank at the low point to drain fuel if doing a wing fold or major work like I am today on the engine mount replacement. John Mcbean was the lead agent on info here and I do what he says. The tank is flawless and the routing simple. It's a plane not a toy so the plastic fuel tank had to go.

[DanB]

Jay,
If the production header tank does not have fittings where you need them or is not the right size, contact me and I will work with you to make one to your specs. I'm a welding instructor at a high school and I specialize in TIG welding aluminum parts as a side gig. I'm sure I can come in quite close to the price of the stock units.
Dan