My flying buddy just had his glow gas tank rupture which flodded the inside of the fuse with fuel. We cleaned up the excess as best we could but would like to know what is the best long term remedy for the untreated section of the balsa that got soaked. Thanks.

Karol

There is a product here for spot cleaning called K2R, it's sold in some of our super markets in the cleaner section, it works pretty well. Acetone and a rag helps. These things help but once the oil gets into raw wood that hasn't been fuel proofed nothing really gets it all out. Some people use crushed kitty litter too or baby powder. A lot of ways but none of them fool proof. It takes a very long time for the oil do start doing real damage and the owner will probably have several new planes but the time he will see any real problems. Always fuel proof inside the plane as well and as far back as you can just to be on the safe side.

Brown paper bag paper and a hot covering iron will draw out some. The acetone on a rag wipe mentioned above helps, too. 91% isopropyl or stove/solvent alcohol on a rag works as well as acetone and is cheaper (castor oil is alcohol soluable). Use a hair drier to evaporate out the alcohol after wiping with a soaked rag and repeat wherever you can reach.

I always paint the tank area with thinned epoxy and, depending on the design, any likely spots fuel may leak. A ruptured tank is worst case because so much fuel has a chance to get everywhere.

I mentioned acetone on a rag because i have seen [and done} too much used and it's a debonder to most glues.

Thanks to all for responding.

Karol