Fuel Leak - Recommendations on where to get fuel cell?

[Dalton Zeigler]

Hello ICS Members,

I recently purchased my Father's 59 Comanche 250 (I'm new to the forum as well) and when bringing it to CO from TX I noticed fuel leaking underneath the left wing between the wing and the fuselage. The first time I flew it when I got back to CO and filled it up I made a point to fill it to the bottom of the vent holes in the filler neck on both sides and I taxied back to the hangar on the right tank. The following day I went out to the hangar to check the fuel and I could clearly smell fuel in the hangar, there was a visible wet spot under the left wing where it was leaking, in addition to a very strong fuel odor in the baggage compartment and cabin. I removed both fuel caps an the left side was 3/4" below the bottom of the hole in the filler neck and the right side as still right at the bottom of the hole. The fuel was no longer dripping from the left side so it looked like level had equalized with the point where the leak is.

Looking at the log books for the plane, both of the fuel cells were overhauled in 1986 (first time since 1959) and the right fuel cell was replaced with a new one in 2001. I recently read an article, I think in the flyer, about someone having patches come loose inside an overhauled fuel cell so I'm not going to mess around with it. I want to go ahead and replace the left fuel cell and all of the rubber that connects to the vent and drain tubes (per Fig 8-1 of the service manual).

I want to get a top quality fuel cell and I was hoping to get some recommendations on where to get one. Also, is there anything else I should do when replacing the fuel cell?

Regards,

Dalton Zeigler
N5964P

[Kristin Winter]

I have sourced my tanks from Aerotech (562) 696-1128. I have compared them to Eagle Fuel cells and find them to be of thicker material and fit better. They give an ICS discount. Make sure that they include all the gaskets for the access panels and the filler plate. There are four gaskets all together including the fuel sender unit.

Floats and Fuel Cells is the other company that has new tanks. I do not have any personal experience with their products, but haven't heard anything bad.

[Andrew Foster]

My last replacement was an eagle. It lasted about 5 years, was leaking around the bottom bayonet connectors. Went with aerotech this time around based on information from this and the other forum. It fit fine and seems to be of a thicker material. You will also need the anti chaff duct tape for the cell cavity. Enlist someone with long arms.

Andrew

[N3322G]

As you've read, I went with AeroTech and so far so good. All 4 bladders are fine since 2009/10 installs.

[JIMICS2452]

I have had good luck with Floats and Fuel Cells.

[Dalton Zeigler]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'm going to go with Aero Tech based on the feedback.

I'll be stretching my arms in the mean time

DZ