Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > ARF or RTF
Fire Wall Reinforcement for .61 TF P47 >

Fire Wall Reinforcement for .61 TF P47

Community
Search
Notices
ARF or RTF Discuss ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) radio control airplanes here.

Fire Wall Reinforcement for .61 TF P47

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-21-2016 | 04:36 PM
  #1  
Champstarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Fire Wall Reinforcement for .61 TF P47

I have a .61 size TF P47 with a 20cc gas engine. I fired it up for the first time yesterday and let it idle for about five minutes and the section of the firewall the motor mount screws into partially broke off. Again this happened at idle. The manual says the model can handle a 1.2 four stroke so I was surprised this happened. I roughed all the joining surfaces epoxied the the firewall back together. I really slathered it on. Should I use screws to secure it as well? Below is a picture of the separated panel of the firewall.

Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3218.jpg
Views:	145
Size:	1.62 MB
ID:	2169018  
Old 06-22-2016 | 01:30 AM
  #2  
Lifer's Avatar
My Feedback: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 0
Received 36 Likes on 34 Posts
From: Kansas City, MO
Default

Epoxy it back together then either drill and install dowels/toothpicks at a 90 degree angle or install sheet metal screws every couple of inches around the firewall to tie them together.
Old 06-22-2016 | 03:15 AM
  #3  
My Feedback: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,821
Received 20 Likes on 18 Posts
From: Waterford, Mi/Citrus Springs, Fl
Default

Toothpick plan doesn't weigh much, is generally the way I go. Drill hole for a snug fit (I do 45 degrees, so the hole catches a little more material on both sides), push the toothpick in and break it off flush, then do the same to the next hole. When done, hit all the holes with thin CA from both sides.
Old 06-22-2016 | 04:45 AM
  #4  
init4fun's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,405
Received 53 Likes on 47 Posts
Default

....

Last edited by init4fun; 08-15-2016 at 10:44 AM.
Old 06-22-2016 | 07:51 AM
  #5  
Lifer's Avatar
My Feedback: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 0
Received 36 Likes on 34 Posts
From: Kansas City, MO
Default

ahicks,

I never thought of going in at an angle with the dowels. Thanks for the tip!
Old 06-22-2016 | 11:52 AM
  #6  
raptureboy's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,621
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
From: Kempton PA
Default

Ooops. Must be a friday arf I use DLE 20's on all my TF arfs and never had this happen. I have also used small pieces of music wire instead of toothpicks. If you can get some triangle stock on the back side also that will help.
Old 06-22-2016 | 12:24 PM
  #7  
Champstarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by init4fun
This seems to be the #1 problem with ARFs , not enough glue used to properly hold things together . Add that to an engine that vibrates more , and yea , a pulled away firewall isn't out of the question .

When you said you "really slathered the epoxy on" there were two mistakes made . #1 being that any more than can soak into the wood before it cures is just excess weight without all that much increase in strength , and , #2 since epoxy was being used , a bit of fiberglass cloth laid into the epoxy in critical spots would have increased the strength far more than any amount of excess epoxy without cloth would have ....
Thanks for the insight. I ended up using epoxy and eight screws to repair and reinforce the fire wall. If I have future problems I'll use fiberglass cloth that makes much more sense.
Old 06-22-2016 | 12:27 PM
  #8  
Champstarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by raptureboy
Ooops. Must be a friday arf I use DLE 20's on all my TF arfs and never had this happen. I have also used small pieces of music wire instead of toothpicks. If you can get some triangle stock on the back side also that will help.
That's could be a good point. I ordered this model from Amazon who sourced it from some small hobby shop. I usually order directly from Tower but this model was on back order at the time. Every time I have had to go to Amazon to buy a model because it was back ordered on Tower I usually find at least a minor defect.
Old 06-22-2016 | 01:03 PM
  #9  
Lifer's Avatar
My Feedback: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 0
Received 36 Likes on 34 Posts
From: Kansas City, MO
Default

A quick note on epoxy: The slower the cure, the stronger the bond. That being said, Sig sells some epoxy that has a pot life of 90 minutes. It's the strongest epoxy I have found since Hobbypoxy went out of business.
Old 06-22-2016 | 01:27 PM
  #10  
init4fun's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,405
Received 53 Likes on 47 Posts
Default

....

Last edited by init4fun; 08-15-2016 at 10:39 AM.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.