Warning! - Check your Pilot-RC fuel tank stopper!

[red_z06]

I've read someone here had a fuel leak on the pre mounted Pilot-RC fuel tank. So, I've checked for the leak prior to flying. We had about 20 or so good flights. But, something went wrong couple of days ago. We've gotten consistent 15min flights with some fuel to spare. But, on 10th min, during a low harrier, it died. I thought perhaps something wrong with the engine (which also never missed a beat), but upon opening the hatch, there were fuel residue and the tank was empty.

Upon, closer inspection, there were bits of stopper inside the tank. As the picture shows, the stopper completely deteriorated. I would suggest you stop flying with the tank and replace the stopper with maybe a sullivan stopper for the time being.

[bodywerks]

...

[aviti]

Why even bother with an ARF tank or plumbing? Just use a Dubro.

[teky2]

or make a tank out of a plastic soda bottle,it,s cheap in price and keeps the weight down.plus you can see the inside of the tank and periodicly check for debris in your tank.also use good fuel tank hardware.

[Al Lewis]

I guess that answers Tony's question about whether or not he should pre-plumb the tanks.

[bodywerks]

I dont think that would have mattered here, as it would have happened regardless. But you're right, don't preassemble the tanks.

[klu0906]

Mine leaked once, but i found the screw was loose in the tank stopper... Guess i'll take it apart and have a look...

[3dAndrew]

Mr.Chi did justin get the plane down safely? Hope so! You need that thing for huckfest! See you soon! take care!

[red_z06]

Two things you don't want to be doing when an engine quits are harrier and low hover. He was doing the harrier low. We just broke the gear as it pancaked. It will be flying before that. I actually pressure checked the tank as it was built correctly as I would build it. So, I'm assuming the stopper was not so gasoline friendly.

For that matter, 10% ethanol in the gas makes all the previous stoppers not so gas proof.

I have always used stock hardware in most cases. I feel that any hardware included should be good or should not be included. This should not be looked at and reflect negatively on the plane itself as we are absolutely happy with the way it performs. It actually feels lighter (wing loading) than our Aero-Works 100cc Extra 260 which was a surprise for a 50cc.

I just did not want another Pilot-RC to lose a gear (in my case) or break anything over a fuel stopper.

[aerofli]

Dump the ARF tank. I haven't seen a good one yet.

[red_z06]

Purpose of this thread is to prevent a mishap for fellow Pilot-RC fliers. Regardless of pre-assembled tank or not, having the same stopper will deteriorate and cause a leak. If you are lucky, you will find the leak on the ground or dead stick up high. You might get unlucky and run out when you are doing low hover (worst) or low harrier (not so bad).

Let me know if you are flying the stock stopper regardless of who assembled and how it is holding up.

[rede2fly]

my hangar-9 carden did the very same thing, except i caught it before it happend while it was flying. just happen to notice a fule droplet on the tank while i was fueling it for the first flight of that day. i changed the complete tank set up and never had another problem.now iam not bashing here but, i think all the manufactures use the cheapest stuff they can get thier hands on. with an exception of just a few but they make you pay dearly.