Michael … Im a bit confused … why have you removed the flanges behind the seat ??? there is no requirement to do so to get the tank out. Also there is an AD regarding the shoulder harness attachment points which could account for a bit of work in that area
Ian W. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ian Williams Sent: Monday, 4 September 2017 2:40 p.m. To: [email protected] Subject: RE: RE: Re: [DOG mailing list] Fuel tank removal I am currently doing the annual inspection for our little rocket and need to inspect the tank as per the AD to look for bits of molten resin …. So will take a pic for you. But the rear restraint is the cover over the access into the rear fuse …. (where the fuel filter is located as per the fuel system AD) It is restrained by 4 screws which is the cover and there is a flange on the bottom of the cover which holds the rear of luggage area floor in place. Real simple. Best regards Ian Williams ZK-GCB From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Greg Wilson Sent: Monday, 4 September 2017 2:22 p.m. To: [email protected] Subject: Re: RE: Re: [DOG mailing list] Fuel tank removal Removing the tank is tricky. After removing the angle flanges and the luggage compartment base: Remove the fuel gauge sender and earth wires Remove the fuel intake pipe off the tank and fuselage Lift the rear of the tank until the tank is vertical Reach over and under to disconnect the fuel hose and fuel drain hose Rotate the (vertical) tank 90 degrees to the left (I think this is correct -rear should now be at the left. Once I worked it all out I wrote a diagram & instructions on the top of my tank in texta.) Lift and wiggle tank up and top forward to remove it through cockpit Good luck, Greg. Greg Wilson ---- On Mon, 04 Sep 2017 11:17:43 +1000 Michael Stockhill <[email protected]> wrote ---- Thanks all. Whoever installed my tank didn't install any sort of flanges or other restraining devices at the rear bulkhead to secure the baggage compartment covers, so their back edges and the tank are floating. If anyone gets a chance I would appreciate a photo or two so I can fabricate something. There are two fiberglass angles creating a flange at the front of the tank under which the covers fit. These are attached to the back side of the seat bulkhead with rivnuts and machine screws. Naturally the machine screws were seized or the rivnuts spun so I spent an hour or two grinding off the screw heads so I could remove the flanges. I have a hard time believing that rivnuts are a solution for a structural application. Looking forward to pulling the tank tomorrow. May be an issue due to some fiberglass buildup behind the shoulder harness fittings from someone's indeterminate repair. Currently an interference fit. I hate cleaning up other people's messes on airplanes. Thanks for all of your insights. M On Sep 3, 2017 6:08 PM, "Ian Williams" <[email protected]> wrote: The reason I suggested to remove the canopy is that it is real easy to remove and yes, I did crack the rear window !@#@#$ . Best regards Ian W. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, 4 September 2017 10:44 a.m. To: [email protected]; Mike Collins Subject: Re: Re: [DOG mailing list] Fuel tank removal I forgot to mention that we have a fibreglass tank that replaced an ally one and same method worked with both. On Monday, 4 September 2017, 8:28:14 am AEST, Mike Collins <[email protected]> wrote: If you have a new aluminium tank it just rests very snugly on (from memory) five or six fiberglass covered supports that are attached to the fuselage. The passenger luggage panels are what hold the tank in place together with the fuel filler system - there are no bolts! Mike _____ From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Michael Stockhill <[email protected]> Sent: 03 September 2017 18:52 To: [email protected] Subject: [DOG mailing list] Fuel tank removal It looks like I need to pull my Dimona fuel tank to route ADS-B antenna coax. For the life of me I can't see how the tank is secured to the airframe. Where are they hiding the bolts etc.? Thanks M Stockhill Polson MT
