Here we go again: Fuel foaming in tanks due to vibration

Jun 03, 2004 10 Replies

I screwed up and followed the instructions mounting the tank in my new bird without wrapping in foam, and now the vibration is causing air bubbles to enter the carb.



I have heard that dishwashing soap and Armor All can help. What really works and how much is needed?


Forget the additives and install the foam wrap. It really works ;-)

Dave

I agree. Why have to add something that doesn't need to be in the fuel to make up for bad design?

I don't know why, but I have never had problems with bubbles. I have mounted tanks wrapped on occasion, but usually not wrapped. I have one plane that I have the tank wrapped in foam and it produces the same amount of foaming in the tank as it doesn when it isn't wrapped. No bubbles come down the line though. Are you sure the bubbles are coming from the tank?

I have used the sintered clunks occasionally, but I prefer Hayes tanks and they don't fit in their small holes.

John VB

What will you do if it starts leaking?

Sometimes you can attack the cause...vibration. Make sure your prop and spinner are really on balance, try a three blade prop, soft mount the engine, try a different engine, doubling the firewall occasionally works, and also one of thoes Harry Higgly crankshaft weights.

Phil AMA609

I have seen some pack the tank in too much foan, and having trouble wit

foam...my best installs involve a foam base to set the tank on, then velcro wrap. Very minimal contact with plane then, and no foaming Sometimes more is not always best. Mar

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Rekit the engine pod and nacelle..... I REALLY hope it doesn't leak.

If all attmempts at mechanical cures fail, ArmorAll works great. I have an ARF with a no-foam tank installation and a vibrating engine (STG51) and use ArmourAll as an easy way to stop foaming. I've used it a LOT with no problems with glow plug life, engine problems etc.. At one time, I routinely added it to my gallons of fuel when I was adding extra castor. I've burned at least a couple of cases that way with no problems. Now, I'm more cautious about fuel tank mounting and don't really need it.

Add one drop at a time to your fuel jug, shaking vigorously each time. In a gallon jug, after somewhere around four drops the foaming after you shake the jug will suddenly and completely stop.

Good flying, Bob Scott

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