Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I just went out to fly my 4* with about 2 hours total fly time. I went to fuel it up, and fuel went everywhere. Upon further inspection, i found the rubber stopper from the stock fuel tank gave loose. It disentigrated. The whole front of my plane is ruined. All of the glue let loose from the fuel soaked balsa.

My 4* is ruined. I hate Sig right now. What should I do?

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I'm just asking.

Is this an ARF?
Did the instructions tell you to fuel-proof the front end?

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Yes, it was an ARF. A nice ARF. With an apparent faulty fuel stopper. Would've been next to impossible to fuel proof that comparment. No access hatch, and not enough room to get my hand in there.

With the luck I'm having in my last 3 flight hours, I'm about ready to put the whole works on Ebay, and call her quits. Two crashes, and now this. After many many trouble free hours with my trainer that I got when I started last September.

I tried to do everything right, by taking advice, and listening to others. I've done it all so carefully, and I thought, smartly. I went with the 4*for my second plane, and I could fly it. I built a Super Sportster, and I flew it, crashed it, and rebuilt better the 2nd time around. I bought a cheapo Lanier Dart, flew it, crashed it within 15 minutes. All this in my last three hours of actual stick time (stretched out over 2 months) Maybe I'm just not cut out for this hobby.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Its becoming a rule of thumb to throw away most fuel tanks supplied with an ARF. The four star arf has fuel proofing on the firewall, but it looks like the tank ruptured behind the firewall in this case. Dont hate Sig, they built you an awesome plane!
Sorry it happened, but hope you learned from it.

Well-
 

Get backup- :D

I have crashed many planes in my RC career, mostly my fault- at least you have an excuse for that one...:eek:

If you quit now, you will miss out on the best partof RC- Eventually being able to fly any plane you can afford! That gets fun...

Think about it,
james

And Sig Says??
 

Have you contacted your retailer, or better yet Sig? They have an awesomely good reputation. We would all like to know what they have to say, what they do for you. I bet you won't be disappointed. Next time around - good luck!! We all need that in this hobby.

Contact Sig
 

Definatly contact Sig Co. You have nothing to lose and everthing to gain by telling them about your problem. Who knows, they might even get you a new plane. You can email them by going to there web site at www.sigmfg.com Good Luck

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I agree with contacting SIG, they are good people. I would also bet there are very few of us that haven't pumped in more fuel than the tank could hold. One of the things you learn with time, about how much fuel you think should go in before you see it come out the overflow. But for tank to burst is very unsual, unless you are using one of the higher pressure engines, such as YS. Don't give up yet, the plane may be more repairable than you realize. I had a SuperSportster 90-120 that I bought used, Turned out to hav a totaly fuel saturated tank area. Sold it, another guy mounted a new front end, not as pretty, but flew it about 2 or 3 more years. Good luck, Andy

problem fix
 

Spray K2R in the fuel tank area. Let it set up and then blow it out with a air hose. That should fix the fuselage. Spray clear dope in if you can't get your hands in to fuel proof the tank area. The plane is not ruined. People do not through away models because the fuel tank leaked.
I have two 4 Star 60 kits, not arfs, and there is enough room to get a paint brush in to fuel proof the compartment. Glue an extension onto a cheap epoxy glue brush and use either clear dope or Balsa Rite. Put it on the brush heavy with the nose of the plane facing down. If it runs so what. This should solve your problem.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Unfortunately it is a learning experience. I had a fuel tank leak on one model, but not as bad as you have described. I was able to restore it and fuel proof it somewhat. I now always coat the fuel tank area with thinned epoxy, even if it takes the brush and extension as referred to above. If it's indeed ruined, someone may have a decent fuse remaining.

I have just thrown away a Hangar 9 supplied fuel tank and most of the hardware. Absolute piece of junk, but I thought Sig was one company where you didn't have to throw away the hardware or anything else that came with their products. I would phone and or email them. I was fortunate with an Eagle II ARF a long while back when Goldberg was still Goldberg. Remember they would only have to supply you with a fuselage and they may have one lying around.

I can't tell you to continue, but I've been at the stage you're at and I'm still flying.(along with several thousand others)

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

you can get clear fuel proof dope in a spray can and with a little extension stolen off of a can of wd 40 you can spray the stuff just about anywhere really giving it a good soaking of dope. even in tight fitting arf compartments.

pikebishop
 

Good idea about the plastic nozzle on the clear dope spray can. Another idea is to use that plastic nozzle on a can of clear polyurethane. It is cheaper than dope and will work just as good for fuel proofing.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll try the K2R spray, if I can find it.

But, that still doesn't solve the problem of the covering. I doubt I'll get it to stick again, and that red oracover they use is going to be impossible to find. And I don't think it's fair that I should have to spend another $30, and a day recovering an airplane that I just spent $200 for, all because they gave me a faulty fuel tank.

And, as mentioned above, maybe it is a good idea to throw away the stock tanks that come with ARFs, but there was nothing in the 4* instructions that said, 'throw away our stock tank cause it will leak and ruin your model'. In all due respect, a guy doesn't learn all the tricks in a matter of months, that it has taken most 20 years to learn. And it's awefully presumptious to assume that they should know.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I'm not trying to be overly critical but only 3 hours of flight time? I fly at least a hlaf hour just about every weekend. Give it some more time and you'll stick with it I guaruntee it

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

3 hours in the last 2 months. It's winter/spring in Montana, and the weather rarely cooperates. I flew many many hours this fall with my Lt-40. Like 6 gallons of fuel worth.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I have the Sig SE ARF and my fuel stopper also came loose spilling fuel all over the inside of the firewall? My plane is about a year old so I dont think Sig would do anything about it. I'v let the area dry and it still seems to be strong, I guess the only thing I can do is try to put some Epoxy around the area and fly it again?

4* fuel
 

I am not making light of your problem, but I had a little simular problem early in my flying experience . I had a cap or simular plane at the time and it had a pilot that was wearing a little scarf. some how I got talking to a budy and didnt realize I had just put about a gallon of fuel in the fuse. The little pilots scarf was floating in fuel. Anyway, I cleaned it all up and dried everything out. To get out the fuel I used a heat gun and the fuel would rise out of the wood, and I would take a paper towl and wipe it down. It was a big job , but worth it. flew the plane for two more years.

Update
 

I called Tower (where the plane was purchased) and they gave me Sig's Customer Service # (like I figured they would). All the Sig techs are already gone to the Toledo show, and won't be back until next Tuesday. So I won't know anything until then.

covering
 

Strip off the old covering and use the K2R again to fix up the wood. To get the covering to stick put on a coat of Balsarite. Let it dry for a few hours even though it will feel dry after 5 minutes.
K2R can be found in a grocery story or at Wallmart or any other place in the household cleaning section.
If getting the covering to match is a problem perhaps give it a different colored nose on the fuselage.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

yes, some dubro tanks have a tendency to leak(I think that is what sig includes in their arf's). Did you try calling sig?

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

In the past I've had fuel tank leaks. I prevent them now by dunking them in a big bowl of water (in the sink ) and putting fuel dots or some how plugging all the lines except one, and then blowing into a fuel line connected to the fuel tank with my mouth. If you see any bubbles anywhere, it has to be fixed BEFORE you install it in the model. Really tighten down on the screw in tank stopper. The worst you can do is strip the head of the screw, but it wont leak unless the plastic is defective (very rare). Do this on all the models that you assemble.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I also check every tank before I install it. You do have to get the stopper really tight, sort of like how REALLY tight you have to get propeller nuts. I check the tank by blowing into one open line and folding the tubing over, and holding it for 30 seconds. If it's good, you will feel a little puff of air when you release the tubing. Andy

Fuel tank leek...
 

That is one problem that I've seen with ARF models. They do not give you fuel tank access hatches. I build them into all my kit builtup models, and it is a must in my book. It makes it easy to work on your fuel tank, engine linkage and get at your nicad.

I have built ARF's, and in every case I've painted on a fuel proof coating all the way back to the aft wing bulkhead. I will even pour it in the nose area, fuel proofing all the inner area, and pour out the excess. I find my models will last years if I do this. Yes it will add a bit of weight, but well worth the weight if a fuel tank breaks open...for it will save the model. K2R works wonders and I've used it for more years then I would care to remember...just wish I could find some here...

I believe if enough folks tell the makers of ARF's of the need to have fuel access hatches, they will build them that way. A few do have them, the Twin Star is one...but that model is no longer in production.

Soft landings always,

Bobby of Maui

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Thanks for the suggestions, fellas. I really did do most of everything mentioned. The one thing I didn't do, however, was soak the rubber stopper in nitro for a month to see if it would get eaten. But should I have to?

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Should I have to?? NO you should not have to. Quality should be better in most cases.

Update
 

I Called SIG on Wenesday. Talked to 'Scott'. Explained my situation. He said use K2R, and all will be well. He said fuel tanks leak all the time, and it isn't the end for a plane if it gets fuel soaked. While that may be true in his world, I don't believe tanks leak all the time. Maybe he should try a Sullivan tank. I've never had one of those leak.

I'm not very happy with the way I was 'blown off' by SIG. My once beautiful 4*, is an ugly mess in the front. Not to mention the fact that I'm afraid the whole works will fall apart in mid-flight, destroying the rest of the plane, radio and my lovely Saito 100. I can't enjoy flying a plane with a sphincter factor of 9.8. I think he should've sent me a fuse and tail. I was thinking my next plane would be a SIG something extra. Not anymore. I don't think I will EVER buy SIG again.

Oh yeah, he's sending me a new tank. Big whoop. I'm not going to use something I don't trust. I should've told him what to do with his tank, but I'm a nice guy. So I didn't.

One more thing I forgot to mention. According to 'Scott', wood doesn't lose it's ability to hold glue after being fuel soaked. Maybe SIG should teach their techs a few basics.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

DONT GET DISCOURAGED!!!! I loved my 4st 60 for 4 years. then crashed it into the side of a ditch. After 12 years, have learned that you may go many flights and years without a major hitch. but it eventually catches up to you. Keep trying and good luck...yes definitely contact Sig

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Bob Paris has it right in that you, almost always, should cut in a hatch. It makes your life so much easier. Do you recall what color that stopper was, the one that leaked?

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Black. And it's as hard as a rock.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Sounds as if a bad batch of stoppers got by quality control. A friend is going out tomorrow for his 4*60 arf maiden flight. I believe that I'll give him a call...

My fears were realized
 

After carefully drying and reglueing the plane, and having it checked by an experienced modeler, I took the 4* out yesterday. 5 Minutes into the first flight, the firewall seperated from the fuse, and she went into the ground from 200 feet up and about 80 MPH. Plane is totaled. Saito 100 is totaled. Radio is totaled.

Sig's leaky tank cost me about $550 yesterday. The tech's advice carried about as much weight as a ball of belly button lint. Thanks alot SIG! :mad:

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Wow, you have an amazeing tendancy for bad luck! I've crashed dozens of planes higher and faster, never Totaled an engine and radio (that means both are ruined beyond repair), any chance of a picture?

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

What are you getting at? Or are you trying to make light of my situation? 3 out of 5 servos are stripped. Reciever is busted. Battery pack was punctured. Switch was smashed. As far as the engine goes, the valve rods are bent back into the cylinder head, and the crankshaft is bent. I suppose I could buy pieces and repair everything, but it's damn near going to be like buying new again.

Perhaps you shouldn't jump to conclusions when you know nothing about the situation.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

The flyers' reading this thread only know what you tell us. I don't believe Gordo-plast was "getting at" anything other than wanting to see a pic of what must have been a very horrific crash. Personally, I once had a plane crushed by a truck and it did not cause as much damage as you describe. I would like to see a pic also and I am sure Sig will want one too.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I hope you didn't destroy the new tank SIG provided you in the crash....

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Lets not over protect the manufacturer. A good fuel tank should not leak. Period. This is the quickest way to ruin a good airplane. Sure the compartment should be coated just in case, but it doesnt help much as fuel will soak through even small uncoated areas. I havent bought a SIG in a long time but from their remark it seems they should look into better quality tanks for their airplanes. There are good and bad Chinese fuel tanks available.

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I have seen excelent fuel tanks leaking when they are not properly assembled.
I am a old SIG customer, and I may tell you that the customer service has always been ABOVE average.

Send picture of your plane with a proove of purchase and explain your problem, be smart and I am sure they are going to replace your four star

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

I will also confirm the excellent customer service that Sig has. They have been in business a long time and have developed an outstanding reputation. Their ARF planes are some of the best in both quality and engineering. There are all kinds of problems that can develop however and some of them are almost unavoidable.

As others have suggested approach Sig in a positive way and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Paul Martin

fuel tank
 

Sorry to hear of your loss. I have been flying for 15 years and can tell you from experience, that in this hobby, you will lose a few planes. Some will be due to your fault, many due to mechanical or electronic failure. However, with that in mind, there are ways to reduce your chances of failure. I was not there in your situation and it hard to conclude IF there may have been another factor that may have added to the problem.
Based on the info you have provided so far, a one time soaking of fuel on the fuselage WILL NOT inherrently reduce the structural intergrity of the balsa provided that you did a thorough job of removing the fuel. Also, based on info you provided, I would also note that having a experienced pilot fly the plane after the repair woudl have been adviseable.
I also have the 4 star in ARF and Kit form and have had no problem with either. I would agree with fellow moderlers who have suggested to you that you send them a pic with testimony to SIG of your situation and see if they may replace your airplane. Depending on your demeanor in the approach, I think you will find a satisfied reply. I wish you the best of luck on this issue and hope that you do not give up on ARF's or flying.
Hang in there, and just be prepared to buy another plane, radio, and engine if need be. I've done it! it's part of the risk!

Sig 4* Big PROBLEM!
 

Deadeye in your forst post ou said all of the glue let go in the nose, did you reglue the firewall before flying it? In this hobby you will find that s*$^ happens, you have to take it all in stride. Crashes happen, structural failure happens, radio failure happens and so on. The joys this hobby brings greatly outweigh the disappointments. Suck it up and jump right back in with both feet.