If you are looking to have a certain volume of fuel you may be able to build
in a composite tank that uses an irregularly shaped wasted space and still
have the space the AL tank was going to use.
Aircraft Spruce or Wicks Aircraft can help you with fittings and lines. They
have flush mounting filler assemblies so you can have a smooth surface for
other uses. Don't get a vented cap. Vent routing needs to end high enough
to prevent fuel sloshing out, be big enough to not stave the engine, and be
protected from flame or spark. Duh! Pressure check whichever tank you build
before putting fuel in it. Use 2 lbs pressure as read on an accurate gauge and
leave the pressure on for a day or so. Check it regularly. The gauge reading
can vary with barometric pressure, so know what the weather is doing. Leaks in
an AL tank are easy to fix and recheck. Composite tank leaks can be character
building to find and fix. The material can membrane at the source of the leak,
and the fluid can migrate a long way before coming out. Soapy water brushed on
is a good way to find the exit point of the leak(s).
Provide some sort of grounding for whichever tank you decide on. Ignoring
grounding can produce spectacular and immediate results particularly when it's
hot and dry.
Unless you are going for a cruise this project is probably more hassle than its
worth. Good luck. Any more questions you can email me.
Jerry Smith
The Ingram's wrote:
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> Hello Everyone
> I was wondering if anyone has installed a fuel tank in a P19? I was
> thinking of mounting it in the rear birth on the port side, I would have to
> cut the cushion shorter and it would shorten the sleeping space but my son
> could still sleep there. I will build it out of aluminium, as I have the
> equipment to weld it myself. Any recommendations as to which fittings I
> will need to fill and vent the tank outside? What fitting will I need to go
> through the transom with the fuel line to make it weather proof?
> Unfortunately I don't live anywhere near any marine supply stores so my
> ordering has to be done from catalogs.
> Thanks
> Harold Ingram