Fuel Tank Pinhole Repair
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
Fuel Tank Pinhole Repair
A friend of mine has a mid-60’s C-172 that has 2-3 very small pinholes in the bottom of his left wing fuel tanks that weep fuel. (The tank’s been removed to find the leaks.) Otherwise the tank appears to be in decent shape. Anyone recommend a shop that can check and repair the tank? He’s in upstate NY if that matters, but is willing to ship the tank outside the area.
Gene Feher
Argyle (1C3), NY
'52 170B N2315D s/n 20467 C-145-2
Experimental J3 Cub Copy N7GW O-200
Argyle (1C3), NY
'52 170B N2315D s/n 20467 C-145-2
Experimental J3 Cub Copy N7GW O-200
Re: Fuel Tank Pinhole Repair
You could call Hartwig. https://www.hartwigfuelcell.com/repairmetal.php.
But if it's just a hole and not internal corrosion, then all your friend needs is a good aluminum welder. That's how my mechanic had my tank repaired. He didn't do it, he just sent it to a local machine shop.
But if it's just a hole and not internal corrosion, then all your friend needs is a good aluminum welder. That's how my mechanic had my tank repaired. He didn't do it, he just sent it to a local machine shop.
Re: Fuel Tank Pinhole Repair
Yep, find a good TIG or MIG aluminum welder. Do not pressurize the tank ..and make certain the tank is vented while being welded… The heat will expand the air inside the tank and damage it otherwise.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.

Re: Fuel Tank Pinhole Repair
Thanks Dave and George. Just the information we were looking for.
Gene Feher
Argyle (1C3), NY
'52 170B N2315D s/n 20467 C-145-2
Experimental J3 Cub Copy N7GW O-200
Argyle (1C3), NY
'52 170B N2315D s/n 20467 C-145-2
Experimental J3 Cub Copy N7GW O-200
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