Issue with new fuel tank

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06-14-2018, 04:57 PM
scottr

Issue with new fuel tank

Hi everyone, I searched the forum but didn't find anything like this. I bought new fuel tanks last year and recently did a fit check with the wings and found that one of the tanks doesn't sit flat on the spars. It appears that it is warped considerably. Placed on the spars and down proper in the front the rear corner near the fuselage side sticks up about 3/8".

I really don't like the idea of building up the ribs on that side high enough to clear the tanks when I put on fabric. I'd welcome any ideas to get it to fit nicely.

By the way, my old un-used tanks fit great with out any problems, I only bought the new ones because of the with auto fuel resin issue.

Thanks, Rick
06-14-2018, 05:14 PM
HighWing

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

Rick, that happened to me back in the olden days. It took some effort, but they did accept a trade for a.properly fitting tank.
06-14-2018, 05:15 PM
Esser

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

Hey Scott, might be best to call the factory about this. It could be a missed quality control issue, if not, they will guide you how to proceed.
06-14-2018, 06:03 PM
Brandon Petersen

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

Which tank? Left or right?
06-14-2018, 06:52 PM
scottr

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

It's the pilot side tank (left side).
06-14-2018, 07:02 PM
Brandon Petersen

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

Hey Rick, I can walk you through fitting that tank. Give me a call at the factory tomorrow or PM me your number and I'll call you tomorrow.

Brandon
06-15-2018, 05:31 AM
HighWing

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

One more thought on my tank experience. The problem with my poorly fitting tank was they miss-located the filler neck on the bad tank. Essentially, they sent two right wing tanks with the filler neck mounted inboard on one. Have you tried the warped tank on the same side as the good fitting one?
06-15-2018, 07:52 AM
scottr

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

Hi Lowell, when I switch the new tank to the other side it does fit much better and I think you are correct, it seems like it was molded for the other side. I'll talk to Brandon at Kitfox today and see if we can figure something out. Thanks for this information.
06-15-2018, 08:14 AM
scottr

Re: Issue with new fuel tank

Hi Lowell, just for curiosity sake I swapped places with both of the new tanks and the right tank has the same issue when it’s on the wrong side. Then I tried it with the old tanks, both fit with the same issue when set in the wrong side. So, I think this confirms that the tank isn't molded correctly.