Group,

After over 11 years of building on a Glass Goose, I may be finished. Not
finished in a good way, though.  I filled my wing tanks several months
ago and was delighted to fire up my Renesis.  Today, a month later, I
noticed the leading edge cap separating from the wing near the wing root
and leaking out of it.  With further investigation, I also discovered
leaks on the bottom of the opposite wing at the shear web.  The residue
of the leaks is yellow-tan in color and sticky.  My conclusion is that
the alcohol in the gas has had an adverse affect on the epoxy.  I'll
call the epoxy maker on Monday to get his words.  I read about the
effects of alcohol on epoxy on the internet several years ago but was
assured that it wouldn't affect a tank that was Jeffcoed.  Sealing the
tank is the least of my concern.  What makes me think the wings are now
unreliable is that the fuel has wicked up into many areas of the wings'
integrity so, at this time, I don't think I can trust them.  I offer
this as a warning to those that can use it.  Do any of you have any
ideas or words that can help save this poor little airplane.




Sandy McNabb
Renesis in a Glass Goose (retired)


I am really sorry to hear that Sandy. I know how much time and
effort you put into your airplane. If you decide to fix it you could
make
a mold of the existing wing skin to save some of the hand finishing.

Others with composite tanks in the works  consider putting in fuel
bladders.
They will generally fit through a 6 by 12 oval opening.
Fuel bladders are widely used in aluminum certified aircraft.

If you build a new wing you mind find an off the shelf
suitable fuel bladder.


http://www.justgastanks.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=365


Paul Lamar


Sandy,  Real sorry to hear about the fuel problem. On the bright
side two of the four wings would be unaffected and the two with
tanks will have salvageable ailerons, flaps, all the control
linkages, wing tips, hardware brackets, fuel gage among other
things.Having built wings once it will go much faster the second
time and any tools or jigs needed are likely still in your shop.The
hardest part is probably resigning yourself to the rebuild. You
might use PVC foam of the original density and ProSet epoxie. As far
as gas goes around here (NC) there are a few gas outlets like
Duckthru with no ethanol gas. Possibly other states have outlets
as well.

george grimes