CAV Aluminum Fuel Tank

[Alan R]

Well I'm finally getting around to building a new fuel tank for my #176 CAV driver side tank. Here is some pictures I've incorporated an internal baffle and a fuel pump hopefully will have it back on the road in a week or so
Alan

 

[Alan R]

Here are some more pictures

 

[Lloyd]

what do you plan for safety against side impact.
I have been thinking of replacing my plastic tanks. nice welds on the tanks
LG

 

[Pat]

Lloyd has a great point. I always worry about metal tanks either splitting their welds or developing fatigue cracks. This could be due to impact or the torsional movement of the tank over time. I suspect that's why racing organizations require bladder type cells inside a metal shell.
My suggestion would be to go the integral cell solution some aircraft use and coat the interior of the cell with a flexible sealant.

Something like this:

RHINO FUEL TANK SEALER 9700 A/B FRC from Aircraft Spruce

 

[Richard]

What is the "group" think on fiberglass tanks with internal coating?

 

[Lloyd]

i have plastic with a bladder. the problem is the off gas that is they develop a gas odor that ends up in the cockpit. i like the idea of the aluminum tank but i would like to see an internal bladder
LLoyd

 

[Lloyd]

Richard
a lot of older boats used fiberglass tanks that fell victim to ethanol. not sure what kind of coating you are referring to.
Lloyd

 

[Kevin Box]

Gents

With all the adverse additives around nowadays maybe we should explore using one of the softer stainless alloys - maybe 304 or similar
316 is too hard and goes brittle so not such a good option
Wouldn't need to be as thick as aluminium ???

I'd be interested to hear everyone's ideas.

regards KevinB

 

[Richard]

Lloyd,

There are several "coatings" on the market...mostly for steel tanks to help with rust, etc. though I haven't been in the Marine business for a while now (retired). The big issue would be punctures from below. I think I like Kevin's thought to go for SS. I know I would feel better tigging SS than alum. It will be awhile before I have to make a decision. Hopefully by then more options will be available.

Richard