Fuselage Tank Cork Failure

I did what Larry suggested, laid the cork on a cinder block in the sunshine for two days to dry it out, then bought a $10 can of plyurethane and brushed it on. I test flew it this morning and it works great. Another victory for our Forum. Thanks again Larry!

Tim

Thanks Larry!

Yesterday I flew my 415 C, planning a 1.5 hr flight.  I had about 4 gallons in each wing tank and a full fuselage tank. As I took off I noticed the fuselage indicator rod in the glass tube was about 2 inches below full, the first time I've ever seen it less than full since I always keep a full fuselage tank.  As my flight continued I saw it steadily coming down the glass tube.  By the time I was about 30 minutes into my flight I decided to turn back, thinking that my fuel pump may have died leaving me with only the fuselage tank fuel.  The top of the indicator rod was at the bottom of the tube as I entered the traffic pattern.  I made an uneventful landing.  After pulling up to my hangar I set the parking brake and instructed my passenger to keep his foot on the brake pedal as I stood up, unscrewed the fuselage tank cap and peered inside..  The tank was full.  I examined the cork and found it to be extremely hard and I'm now thinking that it might somehow have become heavier and less porous over time and is now sinking to the bottom of the tank.

Please weigh in with your thoughts guys.  Thanks,

Tim