Q: I want to build my own in-wing tanks. Why did you make yours from steel, and did you use standard brass fittings to solder on?
A: I built mine from galvanized steel. They were bent up for me at a heating duct shop. ( I told them they were for a go-kart. ) The galvanized steel is easy to solder using a propane torch. I used brass fittings available at the local hardware store and they have a 1/4 inch taper pipe thread.Taylorcraft used both aluminum and steel tanks. Aluminum is much lighter, but steel is easy to repair. I used a slosh coat sold to vintage car enthusiasts made by Bill Hirsch Company in NJ. It will withstand alcohol. I use 87 octane regular gas and have never had any problems caused by alcohol. My engine now has about 1200 hours on it, still with original pistons and rings, but I do decarbon every 300 to 350 hours.( I premix.)
These tanks hold 8 gallons each and are connected together to act as one large tank. Only thing I would do different would be to put a tank vent out under the wing, as a fine spray of premix comes from the small vent holes in the fuel caps when doing violent manuvers or in rough air. |
