Surgical tubing in tank - how long will it last?

[Dennis Toth]

Guys,
I'm looking to use a smaller plastic tank that I want to set up for uniflow. Problem is that even with the Sullivan silicon tubing it doesn't flop smoothly in the smaller length tanks. I know that surgical tubing is very flexable and will work but don't know how it will hold up inside the tank. Anyone use surgical tubing inside a plastic tank? How long does it hold up till you need to change it out?

Best,        DennisT

[Steve Scott]

It melts down pretty quickly - perhaps in about a week.  Or less.

[john e. holliday]

Have you considered a balloon tank.   I have been playing with them on the bench for the 1/2A's.   Just no room in the little 1//2A Snapper for the balloons I can get.  Also very consistant needle settings on the bench.

[Trostle]

Check out the FF supply houses.  The will have thin walled silicon tubing in different diameters that might work for you.

One place is Texas timers at:

http://www.texastimers.com/

Another is Doug Galbaith's Model Airplane Stuff  (some really neat things here):

http://www.the-printer.net/DookCat.html#Nelson%20engine

Just Google Free Flight Supply and you will find all sorts of stuff.

Some of this thin walled silicon tubing will have a service life in a high nitro environment, but will certainly last longer than any surgical tubing option.

[dirty dan]

Pay no attention to the Nervous Nellies urging you to avoid surgical tubing in a fuel tank.

I can tell you without hesitation that virtually any kind of such tubing will easily last until the day of the next contest.

Dan

[Dennis Toth]

Looks like this was done by Al Rabe did this for the BBFB Bearcat and Critical Mass models. Attached is a photo.

Best,           DennisT

[Wynn Robins]

the clunk does not need to "flop around"

during flight, the forces applied to it will make it move where required.

[Randy Ryan]

the clunk does not need to "flop around"

during flight, the forces applied to it will make it move where required.

Within reason.

[John Lindberg]

Keith is right, the thin-walled silicone tubing is great, check out those suppliers, FAI Model Supply was sold recently, another source for FF stuff, hope he keeps the line going.

[Wynn Robins]

Within reason.

agreed

[Paul Smith]

Looks like this was done by Al Rabe did this for the BBFB Bearcat and Critical Mass models. Attached is a photo.

Best,           DennisT

So how did Al close out the tank?
He didn't solder it with the flex tubing inside?  Did he?

[john e. holliday]

Yes, several people do that. 

[Don Curry AMA 267060]

I have done that with the flex tube inside the metal tank and it works fine. But it is easier to use a plastic thank and the result is the same.
Don

[Dennis Toth]

Don,
Normally I would use the plastic tank, it's lighter and ready to go quicker but in some ships there is not enough room for the size the offer (i.e. 3oz) and you need something that fits the available space. With the metal tank you can get the size you need. It looks like as long as you use thin walled silicon tubing it should work for several seasons.

Best,  DennisT

[bob whitney]

Dennis , give me a call  B Whitney