Another tank question

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:48 pm

So what did you guys do (if anything) in the area where the stiffeners approximate the ribs? I kept the rib area clean while riveting the stiffeners by using electrical tape; however, they are close enough that the fillet of proseal from the rib and that from the stiffener are going to overlap.
I know this is incredibly anal, but there will be a certain amount of fuel trapped in front of each stiffener by this layer of proseal.
I'm not sure there is a feasible way to clear the little space ... any thoughts??

Thomas

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 9:27 pm

I just let mine overlap. I really don't see a way to clear the area, and the sealant will form right up to what is already there. Non issue...

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 11:07 pm

I suppose there will be a little fuel trapped but not to much. I just let it overlap a little also but did try to keep the fillet fairly small near the ends of the stiffeners. Just finished the last one today, feels good to have them done!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:34 am

DUDES!!!

Clear that area!

Fuel flow isn't the problem. It is water!

If you have any water, you want it to flow uninhibited to the lowest part of the tank!

You need the 1/8" or so for the water to travel!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:52 am

That's true CJ. I shoulda mentioned that in my post. I'm not talking about a mountain of sealant at the stiffener/rib joint. There does need to be a RELATIVELY low/clear area for water to run, but a little sealant isn't going to impede water from flowing to the low point.