I 've been using epoxy to fuel proof. whats the best way?


thanks


Dan

Depends on where...

Epoxy (I use 2 hour, which goes on thin and soaks into the wood very well.) for fuelproofing firewalls is a great idea. The minor weight penalty of the heavy epoxy isn't a big deal due to the small area. Its hard to get a better fuel barrier than the epoxy.

You can use butyrate Dope for fuel proofing some areas where weight saving is important. You can also use Lusterkote or several other paints. (check compatibility with your covering and be careful of solvents whenyou have foam cores or plastic parts...)

I'll second FHHUBER's recommendation. you may even consider heating the epoxy after aplication by using your heat gun on the general area. Do not get it so hot it bubbles, just very warm. This will make the epoxy wick into the tiniest cracks and crevises and speed cure time a bit. It will definately strenghten the area. I also drill a 1/4 inch hole at the lowest spot beneith the fuel tank to drain any accidental spill (you never know when a hose will slip off or a tank will split). This sure makes cleanup easier as well as gives quick indication if you ever have such a problem.

Hello,

I had success with mixing 30 min expoxy with pure alchohol. about 1 to 1. First I mixed both components and then added alchohol. Give it a good stir and it gets fluid. Paint it on with a brush. I gave my firewall and engine area 2 coats.


Best regards
RCer

The problem with mixing alcohol with epoxy is... there's no such thing as "pure" alcohol that's been exposed to air. It grabs water out of the air like a sponge will soak up water when you drop it in a bucket. Water in the epoxy mix leads to you getting a gummy messy result, which is porous. (and porous epoxy is NOT fuel proof... its a fuel sponge.)

When 2 hour epoxy works right, every time, without mixing some added chemical (which the epoxy maker DOESN'T recommend...) Why mess with using the 30 mn epoxy, adding the alcohol, slowing the cure to appx 2 hours anyway? (and risking a mess that won't EVER set up.)

Again, Mr. Huber is right on, mixing alcohol with epoxy does risk dissapointment. While many get by with it, sooner or later it will cause you problems. Also, the strength (not necessarily needed for fuelproofing though) is severly compromised.

Use only a few drops of Alcohol to thin your epoxy. You only need a few drops to thin it enough to be 'painted on'

Heating it does the same thing: Makes it thinner to spread. But cuts the cure time in half.. make a 'double boiler' type thing: mix your epoxy in a mixing cup, held in a coffee cup of hot water.. Just becareful not to 'contaminate' your epoxy withh the water.

... or to contaminate your coffee with the epoxy!!

Bob

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] If that happens, just strain for blobs with your teeth!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Does epoxy float?!

graon... OK, I'll go back to work now...