Caveman
Well Known Member
Guys,
I was getting my QB 7's right wing tank ready for installing the senders and fuel pick ups and found my vent line was plugged. I tried blowing (by mouth) through the line by attaching a Tygon tube to the AN vent fitting. No go! I removed the fill cap and drain valve so as to not overpressure the tank if something broke loose and used compressed air. Still no go... even with 90 psig. I couldn't get a good look at the open end of the tube by the fuel cap even with a mirror. After much deliberation, I reluctantly used a piece of bent hinge pin and pulled the open tube end over to where I could examine it with a small mirror. It was plugged with PROSEAL! I was able to use various picks and bent awls and dig the Proseal out. I then blew through the line with compressed air to ensure it was clear and then bent it back into position. I had to be careful not to kink it.
This being a quick build tank, I have to guess that this happened accidentally in the Philippines. All is well. However, I thought I should get the word out. If someone doesn't check their vent lines for obstructions, or use this AN fitting to leak check their tanks, they could be in for a rude awakening. One thing I learned is that Proseal is a very impressive sealant to withstand that much pressure in that big of an opening.
Here's some before and after pics. Click 'em for more detail.
I was getting my QB 7's right wing tank ready for installing the senders and fuel pick ups and found my vent line was plugged. I tried blowing (by mouth) through the line by attaching a Tygon tube to the AN vent fitting. No go! I removed the fill cap and drain valve so as to not overpressure the tank if something broke loose and used compressed air. Still no go... even with 90 psig. I couldn't get a good look at the open end of the tube by the fuel cap even with a mirror. After much deliberation, I reluctantly used a piece of bent hinge pin and pulled the open tube end over to where I could examine it with a small mirror. It was plugged with PROSEAL! I was able to use various picks and bent awls and dig the Proseal out. I then blew through the line with compressed air to ensure it was clear and then bent it back into position. I had to be careful not to kink it.
This being a quick build tank, I have to guess that this happened accidentally in the Philippines. All is well. However, I thought I should get the word out. If someone doesn't check their vent lines for obstructions, or use this AN fitting to leak check their tanks, they could be in for a rude awakening. One thing I learned is that Proseal is a very impressive sealant to withstand that much pressure in that big of an opening.
Here's some before and after pics. Click 'em for more detail.