Molded fiberglass fuel tanks?

[sensei]

Whatever happened to that Staudacher Bob???

After I gave it away in order to make room for new projects, I lost track of it, I guess Jared and John still have it, but I am not sure.

Bob

 

[sensei]

Thanks for that! What was the trick to keeping it sealed? Epoxy type/brand? Or will any good quality epoxy like West Systems do the trick??

I have always sealed my composite tanks with gas resistant tank sealer from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, it is an aircraft quality slush that you pour inside the tank, cap up, shake well, and pour the rest back in the can. I then allow the tank to set for 2 or 3 days while being open, after that it is ready for gas.

 

[Bartman]

I have always sealed my composite tanks with gas resistant tank sealer from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, it is an aircraft quality slush that you pour inside the tank, cap up, shake well, and pour the rest back in the can. I then allow the tank to set for 2 or 3 days while being open, after that it is ready for gas.

Sweet! I'm familiar with Aircraft Spruce, thanks for the info!

 

[Forgues-Research]

If I'm not mistaken the jet guys use kevlar tanks, never seen a fiber glass one. You would have to make a mold and glue two halves together. Either that or fashion a disappearing plug that you can fiberglass over and then use gas to dissolve (something like foam).

the reason they use Kevlar over fiberglass is they carry a lot of fuel and in case of a crash, the tank might survive better the crash impact, but for gasoline or jet fuel its not the Kevlar or fiberglass which is the issue but the resin being used. If you use polyurethane with either the fuel will eat through it, so best uses a good expoxy that is compatible
I have made in the past a fuel tank for my turbo prop laser . I made it out of foam with all fittings at there proper place, then fiber glassed it all over . once cured I used gasoline , or you can use acetone to dissolve the foam and clean it well, and there you go you have a custom fuel tank