Removing Fuel Tank Outlets 7 EC

B

bobpriceswift

Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2020
Messages
7
The fuel tank outlets on my 7EC are clogged. I was told that they have screens and need to be removed to clean. The problem is they are very tight and I am concerned about damaging the tank or maybe twisting them off. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am a new member. Thank you








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Hi @bobpriceswift and welcome to the site!

My Dad and I are rebuilding a 7ec. We had tank issues with the inside baffles being broken inside. We had them repaired/re-welded. I mention this because we did not have the screens as you mention in your post. It was suggested to us to install some but we decided to keep it as it was originally. I would suggest to spray the crap out of you fittings with penetrating fluid and letting it soak for a while and repeat as necessary. That might give you half a chance getting them loose. Once you get them free, I suggest that you put stuff called EZ Turn. It is a anti-seize, lube and sealant for fuel applications. We got it at Aircraft Spruce. This will help for next time you’re in this situation. I hope this helps. Good luck with your fuel lines and keep us posted on your progress.
MA
 
MA Cantin said:
Hi @bobpriceswift and welcome to the site!

My Dad and I are rebuilding a 7ec. We had tank issues with the inside baffles being broken inside. We had them repaired/re-welded. I mention this because we did not have the screens as you mention in your post. It was suggested to us to install some but we decided to keep it as it was originally. I would suggest to spray the crap out of you fittings with penetrating fluid and letting it soak for a while and repeat as necessary. That might give you half a chance getting them loose. Once you get them free, I suggest that you put stuff called EZ Turn. It is a anti-seize, lube and sealant for fuel applications. We got it at Aircraft Spruce. This will help for next time you’re in this situation. I hope this helps. Good luck with your fuel lines and keep us posted on your progress.
MA
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Thank you for sharing. I will use more WD40 but plan to heat the aluminum female fitting as well.
 
Be cautious of lubricants and fuel when heating. I also realize that at some point you gotta do what you gotta do! Best of luck!
 
Oh, man, yes! Heating a gas tank can be catastrophic - don't do it. Those are pipe fittings - they get loose after the first quarter turn. Enlist the aid of an experienced mechanic - they will come out.
 
Bob Turner said:
Oh, man, yes! Heating a gas tank can be catastrophic - don't do it. Those are pipe fittings - they get loose after the first quarter turn. Enlist the aid of an experienced mechanic - they will come out.
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The problem is, I am an experienced mechanic... Over the years I have twisted off my share of bolts, etc.. and developed a "feel" that has greatly lessened twisted off bolts as well as stripped threads.. The removal of brass/copper elbows from aluminum fittings is new territory for me and I am trying to remove these with some confidence that I will not make matters worse by breaking off the elbows at the tank. I would only use a heat gun/hair dryer to apply heat.
 
I don't have a feel for how much torque I need to apply for removal... I will if I snap one off. Have you heard of this happening to anyone?
 
A suggestion! try heating this and cooling several times before turning and see if it might work lose the threads from expansion and contractions. I have done this before with success not every time though. good luck if the tanks are out and you can find a radiator shop that will boil the tanks may help also.
 
Bob Turner said:
Do some research on heating gas tanks first.
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Removed elbow fittings yesterday evening with no problems, Will clean them today and install the with Fuel Lube (EZ Turn(.
Appreciate everyones comments, And appreciate being a member of the forum..
Bob
 
Excellent! Glad it worked out for you! Was there screens in there? A lot of crap? Just curious.
 
I have a bunch of those fittings if anyone needs replacements. I also have the check valves.
My stash of parts is finally in my garage and I'll be listing stuff for sale as I continue to go through it.
 
bobpriceswift said:
Removed elbow fittings yesterday evening with no problems, Will clean them today and install the with Fuel Lube (EZ Turn(.
Appreciate everyones comments, And appreciate being a member of the forum..
Bob
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Glad it worked out for you Bob. Were the screens dirty?
 
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