> >The reason gas leaks when water doesn't more likely has to do with >the fact that >water molecules tend to stick together due to intermolecular forces that >are much stronger for water than they are for oxygen or nitrogen or carbon >dioxide or fuel. >TK ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, after all this discussion, I've concluded that the only way to really test a tank for leaks is the way I originally tested mine. Take the airplane to the airport and assemble it in the hangar. Fill the wing tanks with fuel and close up the hangar. The following day, when you return and find fuel dripping on the hangar floor, you empty the tank, take the wing home, find the leak with a hose stuck in your ear and scanning the tank. Fix the leak, return the wing to the airport, assemble and fill with fuel. The following day you return to the airport, find fuel dripping on the hangar floor, empty the tank and take the wing back to the workshop. Cut out the bottom of the wing to access the tank, cut out the bottom of the tank , re coat the entire tank with epoxy, attach an additional layer of glass to the removed tank bottom and use to close up the tank. Add foam, reshape to wing contour, re glass the wing, take back to the airport, assemble and refill the tank. Now, that's the way to find and fix a leak. No problems since after 10 years and 500 hours of flight. Who says building is more fun than flying??????????? Larry Flesner
