Backcountry Pilot • Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

Nothing happens without it. Discuss fuel locations, quality, alternatives, and anything else related to this critical resource.
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Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

Hi everyone!

Am having small black plastic-looking flakes coming out of my 1957 Cessna 180 tank. I tried flushing the tank out when it was de-fueled during a recent wt/balance check, but am still getting debris coming out. I think this is the tank deteriorating and parts are coming off. Does that sound about right? Pics included below.

We bought replacement tanks and installed them in 2014. But, I think that a previous pilot left the airplane without fuel in hot/dry conditions for several months and think that may be the issue.

Can anyone please recommend a good supplier for new fuel bladders? Thanks in advance!

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IMG_1050.JPG (103.18 KiB) Viewed 1582 times

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IMG_1049.JPG (96.17 KiB) Viewed 1582 times
AlaskAfricaPilot offline
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Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:42 am
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Aircraft: C180

Re: Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

I just replaced both of mine (1975 180J).

My mechanic found them at a good price and with good service from Floats and Fuel Cells, Memphis, TN.
kg offline
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Re: Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

I have Eagle from Eagle River Wisconsin in my 1954 180. They use nitrile rubber that is good for ethanol too. Nipple placement would be my only gripe since I had to send one back. It would not work without cutting the outlet hole in the original butt rib bigger and I didn't want to cut something original from the factory.
180Marty offline
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Re: Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

I’ve worked directly with hartwig for 20 years now for fuel cells, always had a good experience there. Good idea to get their stc’d eagle fuel drains while you’re at it, they’re corrosion resistant and can be rebuilt in situ.
Halestorm online
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Re: Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

I'll second Hartwig. Bought lots of bladders from them and always had good luck with them.
A1Skinner offline
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Re: Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

I’d recommend Eagle. I’ve purchased 4 tanks from Hartwig.
slow18 offline
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Re: Fuel Bladder Issues and Recommended Suppliers

My bladders were not that color that looks more like rubber, fuel line or gasket type rubber.
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