How do I leak check mooney fuel tank and strip and reseal?

Question

1966 mooney super 21 with leaky tanks... Trying to save money, know it is a crappy job... But need info on how to do it the best way.
Should I leak check first and patch leaks or should I strip and reseal? Can I do the work myself under AP supervision?

Thanks

Answer 1

I believe you can get rubber bladders to install by STC. (You'll need an approved shop to do it. They have slightly less capacity and weigh a little more, but save many headaches).

As for stripping DON'T DO IT!!

The sheet metal for the tanks (which are the wings) are put together wet with sealant. Unless you want to completely disassemble the wings (buying another Mooney would be cheaper at this point) to properly reseal them, you'll create more problems than you want.

The cheapest way is to patch the tanks and try to fix them by trial and error. But $60 per PRC tube becomes quite expensive after a while.

You can do the work under A & P supervision but there are not many that will let you because you are robbing them of shop revenure and they don't know your skill level (they are the ones signing).

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you bring the aircraft to a certified A&P or a Repair station. When dealing with fuel tank issues it is best to have someone very qualified working on the aircraft. I know some A&P mechanics that don't even feel comfortable patching the leaky tank, they would suggest to strip and reseal. I know owning an aircraft is expensive especially when it comes to maintenance, but its better to be safe then sorry.

On a side note - Mooneys are great aircraft, hope you are having fun with it!!!

Answer 3

Unless you are a certified A&P man, or have built the plane yourself -- making you the "expert", you should worry less about the expense and more about what they will have to say at your funeral should you not get it exactly right. Check with your local FAA rep., they will be able to pull the directive and quote it to you. I'm not an an A&P, but I have heard it said on more than one occasion by more than one person that moonies are a royal pain to work on.