Cleaning the Fuel Tank of Thunder Tiger Trainer 40

by Andrew
(Sacramento, Ca.)

Greetings Pilots,

I recently recieved a old thunder tiger trainer 40 that had been sitting 3 years with 1/4 fuel in the tank. also, the fuel looks very thick in consistancy now.

I obviously need to remove/clean this out. But the tank is buried in the front cowling and I can't exactly remove it and I hate wasting fuel to dilute and mix in a attempt to clean.

Well, any tips regarding the Fuel and any tips in the overall "clean up - getting it ready for flight again?" are much appreciated

Thanks much friends. :)

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Cleaning the Fuel Tank of Thunder Tiger Trainer 40

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Cleaning the fuel tank
by: Rocky

Honestly, it would be cheaper just to buy a new tank, but try pumping winded without ammonia into the fuel tank, it might dilute the fuel, along with cleansing the pipes. Take the pressure feed line off and blow into the carbline to clean it out too. Repeat this a few times, using new windex all the time, it should clean up nicely.

I recommend replacing the tank...
by: Matt

I kind of agree with Rocky that it would be best to go ahead and replace the tank.

If it is in that kind of condition then the fuel lines may be rotted with pin holes that will give you all kind of headaches.

I know how big a pain in the butt it is to replace some fuel tanks. But believe me, its better to get it all in tip top condition or you may have a horrible day at the field.

Just my take on it.

Good luck!

Matt

Thanks for the tips Gang!
by: Andrew

Greetings Guys... thanks for the tips. I will take better steps in the trainer 40 that has the fuel problem

-I really appreciate it. I also learned why you do not fly with low battery levels on your remote control unit. I was so eager to fly that I went ahead and tried with less than half power charge on my transmitter part of the remote and as i did the voltage levels went down fast and my trainer 60 went dead stick then went to a nose dive with no controls to glide.....

My gut sank as the plane went nose first into the pavement and shattered into pieces. :( Uggg.... lesson learned the hard way.

It has been 15 years since I had flown and Sunday afternoon I learned I need to take some steps to makes sure my equipment was fully charged and running better as well as better prep for myself.

aww man...,
by: Matt

That sucks dude...

I've had that sickening feeling in my gut before. The worse was when my trainer bit the dust...

I had a Sig LT 40 and was getting way over confident. Me and my infinite wisdom did a nose dive and tried to pull out of it at full throttle. I still have that horrid image of the wing shattering and my pride and join coming down in several pieces..

The fuse hit the ground like a missle... Then the wings gently fluttered down..

Hang in the man. It happens. And most every crash teaches you a valuable lesson!