HELP!! Fuel leak under wings

[Kristofer Duckett]

Hi All.

I have found eveidence of a fuel leak under the wing. The fluid is dark blue with distinct fuel smell. I suspect the bladders but not sure. Pretty sure these are the original bladders so changing them may be the way to go. Is there a reasonalbe shop near Clovis, NM (30 min flight east of lubbock or amarillo, tx) that can help? Looking to do this ASAP as the wife and I have been planning a trip for some time now and don't want to miss it.

Thanks!

[N3322G]

See your other post for what worked well on my twin

[Kristin Winter]

Most mechanics should be able to change a bladder. The trick is to figure out which one is leaking. It is fairly easy to tell if you know where to look. It you found the stains right at the wing root forward of the spar, it is probably the main tank. You can remove the under wing root fairing and if the area underneath and behind where the main fuel line passes from wing to fuselage, you have confirmed a main tank.

Aux tanks typically will show leakage in one of two places. If it is anywhere outboard of the main landing gear, it is the aux tank. The other place is along the aft spar and rear of the wing. Sometimes it doesn't show until well inboard.

As for tanks, I have had good luck with Aerotech. Probably an new manufacture tank is fine. Do not get reconditioned tanks. You get half the life at 2/3 the cost, plus more frequent installation, which will be 6-8 hours.