I'm not questioning your observation, only your explanation. Rotomolding
makes a one-piece tank - there is no weld, but the mold must be parted to
remove the tank and it is that parting line that you see. See
http://www.custom-rotomolding.com/Rotation_Molding_Services/about_rotomoldin
g.html for a nice explanation of the process.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
A070
-----Original Message-----
Behalf Of TELEDYNMCS@aol.com
Subject: Hole in gas tank seam
In preparation for glassing in the gas tank into the cockpit module today I
was cleaning out the tank when I discovered a hole on the top seam, left
hand
side, just before the corner. It appears that when the tank halves were
"welded" together in manufacturing they left a hole approximately 3mm x 5
mm,
large enough to stick a pencil through with room to spare. Fortunately, I
had
not yet bonded in the vent and fuel fittings. I would encourage everyone to
thouroughly inspect the seams of the tank for flaws. Had this been bonded
into place it would have been a real bear to fix. I'm returning the tank to
Europa for a replacement. I wonder how many months this will delay my
progress?
John Lawton
A-245
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