I read a artical on a website that stated you should replace the stock fuel cell that comes in a RTF glow plane.. Is there any good reason to this? I have a new NexSTAR and was curious if I should do this? What has everybody else done with there fuel cells? I am in there right now fixing a broken receiver and battery tray mount..So it would be real easy to do right now...Thanks...

Merlin III

As long as the front cap is not leaking and the clunk is still attached to the tubing, there's really no point. Were you experiencing any fuel draw problems ?

No problems with the fuel system..Just new at this and looking at all the information and suggestions..Trying to weed out the usless info and study the good...Is the fuel cell supposed to move freely back and fourth in the mounting area? This fuel cell does..Should I make some velcro straps and secure it to the structure?

Merlin III

It's a good idea to take foam rubber scraps and pack in around tank. This will help cut down on fuel foaming from vibration.
As you spend more time in the hobby, you'll learn what items are important and which ones can be done in several different ways to offer the same results. Lots of great info on this forum.

good tip on the foam rubber, what else can you use, and do they sell items to assist in this? The nexstar comes with a engine mounting that reduces vibration caused by the engine so this would reduce problems correct? Lastly, by packing extra material around the tank exactly how much will this help, is it worth the time?

steve

Its worth the time. If you put nothing around it, the fuel can still foam and cause your engine to suck air, which will in turn make it quit. Good idea to pack the foam around the tank.

You can go with the stock tank, but here is what I experienced. I had several flights on my trainer when I was just getting started. The stopper pulled out of the stock tank and spilled fuel all over the inside of my airplane. I used K-2 carpet cleaner to absorb the mess, but it was never the same. The covering was soaked as well. fuel from a tank spill can weaken the epoxy and CA glues holding your airplane together. It can also get into your Rx which is not good. Then in an Ultrastick the same thing happened. Then a person asked me if I was using stock tanks. Yep!. He told me to use Dubro or Hayes tanks and this would solve the problem. I didn't listen. I put the stopper back in and tightened down on the stopper screw. This is the truth. On the next flight it pulled out again and created a bigger mess. Arrgh. I have used Dubro tanks since and have never had a problem since. Maybe I just had a batch of bad tank luck, but I sincerely think it's in the design of how the stoppers fit into the tanks that made the difference.

I also wrap tanks in foam padding to avoid foaming.

This is just my 2 cents and IMHO

I do NOT fly ARF's. But reading here as much as I do I see lots of complaints on ARF fuel tanks. It seems some develop cracks and tears while others have serious issues with stoppers. I feel the less than 10$ for a quality tank would be worth it. I would also look hard at the quality of the rest of the hardware. ARF manufactuers tend to use the least expensive hardware they can to maximize profits. I am not saying in any way the hardware is all inferior. Just look for defects and change any hardware that you are wary of. I am not knocking ARF's in any way! I am a good builder and love to make my own planes. I usually build from kits. But am now starting to do plans building. Anyway I digress, Just look closely at the tank and hardware. BTW I use Hays tanks whenever possible.

Mark Shuman

Havent found a problem with my Nexstars fuel tank and have been flying a lot lately. I dont think your going to have a problem. I fly my Nexstar for
15 mins at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle and still have a half tank every time. I look at the tank after each flight and no sign of foaming in the tank from vibration.

Happy Flying,

Sean