Installing float fuel sender on Van's RV-8

Vic from Base Leg Aviation shows how to replace a capacitive sender with a float sender on an RV-8 fuel tank.
Discussion points:
Van's a/c Anti-rotation bracket service directive
www.vansaircra...
Parts used:
Stewart warner Float senders:
Van's A/C IE F-385B fuel sender left tank
Van's A/c IE F-285C fuel sender right tank
Proseal pint:
www.aircraftsp...
nutplates MS21047L08:
www.aircraftsp...
machine screws MS35206-244
www.aircraftsp...
‪@baselegaviation1614‬
www.baselegaviation.com

[@flyingoverthehills]

Use a plastic knife (free from your local fast food restaurant) to spread the proseal. Much easier than a brush. I always put a thin layer of sealant on both surfaces, then a little twist to make them form a tight seal.

[@Rv7traralgon]

Thanks , I’ve just received my 3rd RV kit so this was helpful .

[@chantereaudominique8855]

Third ? I hesitate to do it too.

[@leekitsonrv8]

Interesting. Glad I put the resistive sensors in when I built my 8.

[@robertmendenhall1350]

Good job thank you

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Hi from Sydney Australia. Thanks for the demonstration and explanation for installing the fuel sender with float and Pro-seal. (I hope you used a cordless drill for metal screws.) Merry Christmas 🌟 🌲🇭🇲

[@BRYANCARR-lo3gv]

When doing any proseal job, put two gloves on each hand. Change the outer one often. Popsicle sticks are better than brushes for applying the paste.

[@svbeautimous4576]

Do you have any experience with CIES fuel senders? They had a booth at Oshkosh.

[@baselegaviation1614]

no I don’t sorry.

[@joshua-lukeoconnor7370]

CIES senders are incredibly great, however they don't have an option for the RV tanks.

[@paulschannel3046]

When tightening the screws, do you just snug them or tighten them like any other application on the plane? Seems regular tightening them would squeeze the pro seal out. Great tip on soaking the screws in acetone first!

[@baselegaviation1614]

I don’t set them real tight, but they are more than snug.

[@marcdragon2659]

Just replaced my sender with an new one. How long to wait before adding gas? Looks like the b 1/2 proseal is cured to tack free at less than 4 hours, and 35 A durometer at less than 7 hours. Is there a utility in waiting days, or is this just a practice people have adopted over years to be "safe?"

[@baselegaviation1614]

depends on temps. I woud wait least wait 24-72 hours.

[@kentcolgan6139]

Is the leakage likelihood so low that it’s not worth the time/hassle of leak testing before installing the tank?

[@baselegaviation1614]

I've done so many and not had any leaks that I don't test anymore. Probably not the right thing. :)

[@drummondgrinalds1524]

Is there an easy way to verify that the fuel pickups are aligned facing aft? I’m 95% sure I did it correctly. Not easy to feed a borescope through the fuel cap. Thanks

[@baselegaviation1614]

remove the quick drain and use a bore scope there.

[@foesfly3047]

You obviously didn’t do it right- you didn’t end up with ProSeal on your shirt, pants and face 😉