Rubber fuel cells

"Roger" wrote:

Yup and the only time they are more than an inch or two down from the
top is only for a short time. The tanks are *almost always full when
it's in the hangar.

Kinda tough on the payload, isn't it?

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

On 2005-09-12, Mike Rapoport wrote:
I have a Helio Courier with four fuel cells holding 30 gallons each. My
typical flight uses ~35 gallons so I would like to leave the outer (aux)
tanks empty most of the time. I understand that leaving them empty will
reduce their life expectancy.

My understanding is that the worst combination is mostly empty tank and
plane outdoors in the sun.

One suggestion I've seen (for Comanche owners) is that if you plan to
leave an aux tank mostly empty *but* you *are* going to fly regularly,
keep a gallon in each tank and let the splashing that happens in flight
keep the bladders from fully drying out.

Another thing to keep in mind is that dry tanks do shrink somewhat. I'm
not sure if it's due to actual shrinkage, or wrinkling, or what. Every
time I've left my aux tanks significantly below full for a while and then
filled them and let them sit, they've gained some capacity after sitting
mostly full. I haven't tried to quantify it, but I'd guess around a half
to a gallon in my 15 gal tanks.

--
Ben Jackson

http://www.ben.com/

http://www-ext.tinker.af.mil/tild/to/0085a031.pdf

See page 37

cheers ... denny

The MIL-L-6081 listed in the article is the old number for the current MIL
PRF 6081 Grade 1010 Jet engine oil, such as Mobil Avrex M Turbo 201/1010.
I'm wondering if they picked this oil specifically or if they just used
something that was handy.
Jim

"Denny" wrote in message
oups.com...


http://www-ext.tinker.af.mil/tild/to/0085a031.pdf

See page 37

cheers ... denny

Thanks Denny! This looks like the definative word on fuel cells.

Mike
MU-2


"Denny" wrote in message
oups.com...


http://www-ext.tinker.af.mil/tild/to/0085a031.pdf

See page 37

cheers ... denny