Fuel Leak

[JQuick]

I had to abort a flight today because of a fuel leak. The fuel was coming into the cabin from the top of the right door. The right bladder was repaced 7 years ago by the previous owner. Does anyone have any idea what may be occuring?

Thanks,

Jack B. Quick
759ZS:(

[n2099x]

Jack their are several places for fuel leaks above the doors. Is there fuel the outside of the door? Is it front, rear, or in the center? Could it have been all of the way full then parked in the sun?

Glen

[JQuick]

Glen,

Thanks for the response. I was in flight at 6500 feet climbing to 7000 feet when we noticed it. I was 15 minutes into the flight and had 30 gallons in the right tank. The plane had been hangered and was not in the sun long. The leak was coming in at the top right front door frame. When I landed I checked the fuel cap and it was secure and tight, the sump at the right side did not show signs of leaking. Even if it did I don't think it would have traveled to the front top of the door.

I suspect and hope it is just a fuel line going from bladder to engine and not the bladder itself.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers!

[Todd Peterson]

The area you're referring to has a number of places the fuel tank has connections.

The fuel tank outlet itself could be leaking, a flex hose that connects the metal fuel line fitting to the other hoses could simply be old and cracked, the fuel crossover vent line connects in at that point and the connecting hose could be leaking there also. Other than the fuel tank outlets leaking (there are two) everything else just requires a simple hose replacement.

Obviously this needs to be repaired before your next flight.

[JQuick]

Thanks Guys!

I took the access area off the plane and discovered a loose hose clamp. I would suspect this was the problem because off how loose it was. Hard to tell since there is no way to trace the fuel. I will take it out and test fly it although the leak had stopped in flight prior to landing.

Cheers!