REFLECTOR: Meeting nice people while building a plane...

[Christopher Barber]

In my case it was the fine men of the Ellington Field/Johnson Space Center Fire Department when the guys in the hangar next to me (building a P51 replica with a V-12) smelled the a strong odor of gasoline coming from my hangar and called the Fire Dept.  So the hazmat guys responded and I got a early morning call from the Airport.  They entered through main door in which they had a key and soaked up leaking fuel. They were really great about it.  They called and asked if I could be up there quickly so they didn't have to cut my lock.  I got there in about 15 minutes.  They were all very friendly and helpful and curious about the build.

So, best as I can tell, I have a leak in the right strake.  Damnit, I pressure tested this thing a few years ago. I have had 10 gallons in the plane for a while, however, yesterday I put about ten more gallons of fuel in than I had before.  I thought I only had about fifteen total gallons in the plane, after running it though the day, but I drained out a total of about 25 today (I have been adding a bit at various times as I was doing test runs).

When the field called I had assumed the leak was gonna be at the aluminum line connections to the sump tank, but we could see a bit of fuel steaming into the cabin at the apex of the right strake.  I could not determine exactly where, of course.  SO, the engine development is on hold 'till this latest little challenge is disposed with.  Damn it.  Oh well, so it goes.......it could be worse, it could be raining. :-)

So, I am heading to the variously list archives to be reminded on the best way to track this kind of thing down.  Any direction/shortcuts to info y'all may add will be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

All the best,

Chris
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