Question: How do I install my fuel tank and seal the fuel tank neck area where it protrudes through the firewall.
Answer: Plan your fuel tank installation per the instructions in the manual that came with your model. Orient the tank and the metal tubes etc and install the tank clunk, tubing and stopper. See the illlustrations in your manual. Once you have the tank prepared, connect silicone tubing between the metal tubes so that the metal tubes are closed off and no dirt or material can get inside the metal tubing or your tank while you are working on it. Plan the position of your tank in the fuel tank compartment. See your manual. You may need some foam rubber pads or other material to position the tank on models that are not equipped with a power module. If the model has a power module, seal both sides of the forward firewall with epoxy or finishing resin and let it dry. Make sure you can dry fit the tank into place where you want it before proceeding to the next step. See your manual.
Once you have everything prepared you are ready to seal the tank into place. You will need some clear silicone or Pacer Dap-A-Goo sealant. Dap-A-Goo is perfect for this job. It's thick, dries quickly and seals well. On VMAR fuel tanks there is a foam rubber gasket around the neck of the tank. Remove the gasket. Apply a bead of sealant to the forward face of the tank in a circle about 1/4" (6mm) away from the neck. Re-install the foam rubber gasket and press it down onto the sealer. If your model has a power module system, apply a bead of sealant to the top of each dowel protruding from the back of the firewall. Keep moving and apply a second bead of sealant to the exposed face of the foam rubber gasket and press the tank firmly against the back of the firewall (and resting on the dowels if you have a power module system). Hold the tank in place with tape, elastic bands or other retainers and let the sealant dry. Apply additional sealant around the tubes (along the sides of the power module dowels if so equipped) and into the firewall passage hole from the front face of the firewall. Let the sealant dry. Remove any unnecessary retainers if they are no longer needed. Your tank is now installed and sealed into place. |