Subtech Albacore WTC Woes
11-20-2005 | 12:40 PM
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From: Dwight, IL
Subtech Albacore WTC Woes
Gents,
I built one of Skips Albacores kits. My problem is with the WTC. I am having a heck of a time keeping the "W" out of WTC. More specifically, the seal between the two halves continues to leak. I have even gone so far as to put hose clamps around the entire WTC to compress the gasket enough....still leaks. So far, the leak hasn't been bad enough to get anything seriously wet or short out but it is only a matter of time. Anyone else have the same problem or did I get the orphan child? I really like this kit, it was easy (I thought?) to put together and it looks good. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Pete
I built one of Skips Albacores kits. My problem is with the WTC. I am having a heck of a time keeping the "W" out of WTC. More specifically, the seal between the two halves continues to leak. I have even gone so far as to put hose clamps around the entire WTC to compress the gasket enough....still leaks. So far, the leak hasn't been bad enough to get anything seriously wet or short out but it is only a matter of time. Anyone else have the same problem or did I get the orphan child? I really like this kit, it was easy (I thought?) to put together and it looks good. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Pete
11-26-2005 | 09:15 PM
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From: Sanford,
NC
RE: Subtech Albacore WTC Woes
First question is...what makes you think it's the seal between the 2 halves? The most common leakage point is actually either using old PVC cement (or something other than PVC cement) between the ballast tank base and lower pressure hull or ballast tank or inattention to detail while assembling those parts.
Other areas to check:
Did you lubricate the pushrod seals?
Did you sand the hull before siliconing the seals in place?
Did you use silicone to secure the seals?
Is the ballast tank top completely sealed?
How about the antenna hole?
Or the screw holes in the pressure hull top?
Or the pump inlet/outlet hole?
Check all those carefully.
Skip Asay
Other areas to check:
Did you lubricate the pushrod seals?
Did you sand the hull before siliconing the seals in place?
Did you use silicone to secure the seals?
Is the ballast tank top completely sealed?
How about the antenna hole?
Or the screw holes in the pressure hull top?
Or the pump inlet/outlet hole?
Check all those carefully.
Skip Asay
02-18-2006 | 06:00 PM
#4
RE: Subtech Albacore WTC Woes
An unrelated question, but:
Is the Albacore designed to constantly blow or flood the ballast tank--or does it have the ability to hold the water level in the tank steady?
Is the Albacore designed to constantly blow or flood the ballast tank--or does it have the ability to hold the water level in the tank steady?
04-29-2006 | 08:07 PM
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From: West Linn,
OR
RE: Subtech Albacore WTC Woes
I have a Marlin kit I got from Skip a bit back. I haven"t had any problem with the seal, did have a servo extending pas t o-ring. An easy fix when found. This has been a great kit. Have changed the gear around. I'm now tryind to get a replacement pressur hull and will fit the motor upside down from instructions( have to brace it) and put the rear servos below. This will get me a couple things. One. have had water in motor and corrodes. Two. frees up the space in front of the rear bulkhead that had the servos. Will also enlarge the tank. Don't ya love to experiment! Good Luck!
