The fuel tank is now permanently installed in the aircraft. First job was to locate and attach neoprene rubber protection strips everywhere on the fuel tank where it could conceivably touch the fuselage structure as the aircraft vibrates in operation and also where the cables run between it and the firewall. Then the fuel tank was slotted into position and the support straps positioned and bolted to the tabs on the cross member at the top rear of the tank bay. The controls were inserted through the tunnels in the tank and through the firewall and the nuts which secure them to the panel tightened. The 1/8" tubing for the primer were also passed through the firewall. The inlet to the primer pump was terminated and attached. The outlet will wait until the engine is attached as the far end has a brazed on nipple which must be screwed into the primer lines to get the length correct. A length of 1/4" aluminium tube was connected to the tank breather inlet in the filler neck and routed behind the firewall to the breather inlet under the floor on the right hand side of the front bay. Next the fuel system was connected using 3/8" aluminium tubing from the tank to the electric boost pump and then on to the gascolator. I think all the preparation work on the aircraft wiring and plumbing has worked well - the installation looks neat and tidy - not normally my strong point! Next job is to plumb up the vacuum instruments and I think I'll also insert some plastic tubing round the control cables through the fuel tank to avoid any risk of chaffing.
