My 180 Comanche still has the original 1960 bladders and I can fill to overflow with no noticable leaks other than through the carb. Any older than these?

Rick

I just replaced a bladder on a 61 250 Aux tank & it was original , dated 1960 & was leaking on the top corner. If they are that old they will start to leak, good luck, hope they hold out for a while. If they have been kept full & inside a hanger they may last for some time!

Removed left bladder from my 180 a yr and a half ago dated Sept 58. No evidence in the logs or on the bladder that it had ever been repaired. It wasn't "leaking", just starting to seep and get the fuel smell in the cockpit after landing.
-Zach

I've replaced 3 bladders two years ago and they were the originals in my 61/250. The other one was replaced in 1974.

Per the logs, ALL the fuel bladders in my 1964 Twin Comanche were replaced during 1965. ( Must have been a bad batch at the factory). I bought the airplane early in 1967 and changed out the right main about 5 years ago when I had stains showing on the bottom of the wing. After learning of the major engine problems Zach and Beryl had resulting from their fuel bladders emitting small particles into their fuel system and recently noting fuel leak in the left main, I am changing our the rest of mine. With 3 out of 4 lasting 44 years, I think I have had my money's worth.

Al Powers ICS 2978

Got 40 years out of the Twin's and changed for either leaking or because I wanted to do it on my schedule - all were 1969 vintage.

Both bladders on my 1960 Comanche were manufactured in July 59. I just replaced my left one a few months ago and the right one is still doing great. Will probably replace it this summer just to be proactive.

Another common source of the aroma of 100LL in the cockpit after landing can be the Aux. fuel pump. If you have the aroma, and no blue stains visable it might be a good idea to look at the pump. If the Dukes pump has been installed they have a TBO of 10 years, and at about that time they usually need it.