Day 77

Leak tested the wing fuel tanks today. It took a little muscle to get them back off of the wings. There was a little bit of sealant that was on the inside lip of the skins that had adhered to the main spar. We were able to get them off though and up onto the table and plug the fuel fittings.

We then wheeled the table outside and filled the tanks up with water. The first one filled up without any issues. The second one we quickly realized there was a leak on the lower channel. A rivet mandrill had somehow become lodged between the channel and the skin. We checked all around the rest of the tanks and did not find any other leaks. We drained the water and brought them back inside to dry them off.

We were able to remove the mandrill with a pair of needle nose pliers. We then thoroughly abraded and cleaned approximately 4in to either side of where the leak was. We then mixed some sealant and applied a good bead along the channel, approximately 8in long to insure there was a good bond.

After it cures for a couple of days we will be able to leak test the tank again to make sure everything is in order.