Either way, the engineers at Vans believe this is the answer to the problem of the fuel splash back problem. It goes without saying that the key motivation behind this effort was an attempt to prevent the Lexan (polycarbonate) back windshield from cracking due to the exposure of gasoline. This malady has effected quite a number of owners, solely taking into account those that have posted on Vansairforce.net.
Since the tank was already torn apart for the installation of the doublers featured in the aforementioned service bulletin, it was obvious that this was the time to take on the additional task of installing the tank vent modification. As an added bonus, I had not yet vented the fuel tank cap, which must effectively be undone, by plugging the vent hole with ProSeal. Sometimes you just get lucky.
Shown below are a couple of pictures of the fuel tank with the new 1/2 inch hole, which was drilled adjacent to the tank filler neck, and then fitted with an AN 45 degree bulkhead fitting. A thick aluminum washer and nut, inside the tank, secure the fitting.
An additional 9/16 inch hole for the aluminum vent line was drilled through the corner of the fuselage bulkhead as shown below. There are another pair of holes, as yet undrilled, that will be for the vent lines exiting the "floor" of the tailcone. There is also a plastic vent line that is installed in the aluminum vent line, which has a separate exit and thus the need for two exit holes.
The next shot is of the final preps for permanently sealing the bulkhead vent fitting in the tank top. Specifically shown are the washer and nut that will be inside the tank.
All tightened down and the bulkhead fitting sealed with Proseal too.
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