spokman

My Feedback: (2)

The fuel tank area is open to the rest of the plane. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to glue a piece of ply or balsa over the hole to the rest of the plane in case the tank leaks or has problems. The hole is only about 2x6. What do you all think? I'll be fuel proofing the tank area with dope also.

TerrellFlyer

not needed,but if you wish then do it.

phread59

I do not recommend it. If you need to take the tank out you may need the hole. I do not know if Sig put a hatch up there for the tank. They usually didn't on trainers. Anyway fuel will go everywhere even with the panel. If you are afraid of the tank sliding back. Just glue a scrap stick across the hole to keep the tank in. You couls easily pop off the stick in the event you must remove the tank.

Mark Shuman

mnrcaerobat

My Feedback: (197)

In your manual on page 55, step number 228 shows you how to put a scrap piece of balsa at 3 1/4" long to hold the tank in place. There is a hatch on the top of the fuselage.

spokman

My Feedback: (2)

I'm not worried about the tank staying in place. I'm going to wrap it in foam rubber. Just concerned about the fuel spill possibility. I think I'll patch the whole. The weight diff isn't worth the fuel risk. Fuel proof the tank area and I'll be in business. Thanks all for the advise!

Montague

If you're going to seal the area, you might consider adding a drain hole to the bottom as well. That way, if the tank does leak, you'll notice the fuel dripping from the bottom.

In the end, I don't think filling the hole will matter much at all either way.

tiggerinmk

My LT-40 ARF with the hole is still whole with no leaks, I'd leave it....