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RV-9A: Left Fuel Tank - 9/5/2006
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Getting ready to rivet on the Left Tank Rear BaffleGetting ready to rivet on the Left Tank Rear Baffle
First, I swiped a couple of freezer bags from the kitchen.
Mixed up some prosealMixed up some proseal
I turned the freezer bag inside out and put a big blob of Proseal in one corner of the bag.
Prepared the freezer bag for Proseal squeezingPrepared the freezer bag for Proseal squeezing
I turned the bag back outside in and cut the tip off of the freezer bag, about 3/8 of an inch across. Then I rolled the bag into a cake icing form and squeezed the Proseal towards the opening in the bag.
Applied the Proseal and put the back baffle into position.Applied the Proseal and put the back baffle into position.
This wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I applied the Proseal to the skin and ribs as indicated by the instructions. Then I just positioned the baffle longways between my hands and slowly lowered it into position. Then I clecoed everything together. Dat’sa lotta clecos!
Hand squeezed the skin to the baffleHand squeezed the skin to the baffle
Wow, what a job! I didn’t even want to know how many rivets I put in, but it sure turned out nice.
Prepared the pop-rivet gun for attaching the Z bracketsPrepared the pop-rivet gun for attaching the Z brackets
I used my Scotchbrite wheel to whittle this dude down to clear the side of the Z bracket while pop-riveting the bracket in place. I was surprised at how much material I had to remove.
Started pop-riveting on the Z bracketsStarted pop-riveting on the Z brackets
I put some Proseal around each hole in the baffle before clecoing on the Z brackets. Then I swirled each pop-rivet in Proseal and put them in.
All the Z Brackets are on!All the Z Brackets are on!
I think this is the easiest part of the whole tank thing.
Received my fuel tank test packet from Vans.Received my fuel tank test packet from Vans.
Looks pretty easy. All I have to do is put the blue cap fitting over the fuel pickup line on the access plate and screw the bicycle pump fitting into the few drain hole. Then I will attach a balloon to the vent line and use a bicycle pump to put air inside the tank until the balloon starts to blow up. Then it’s leak-checking time.
Keep on keepin' onKeep on keepin' on
I'm really gettin' tired of working on this here tank, so I decided to go ahead and install the access plate. I installed the fuel tank sender on to the access plate, putting a layer of proseal on each side of the rubber gasket. Then I did the same on the access plate, making sure to dip the the screws into the proseal before screwing them in place. Next step, the balloon test!
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