Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

How do you fuelproof something like the engine compartment, I believe I read somewhere that you can mix epoxy and something else to thin it so it can be brushed on.

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

Even though I am quite a newbie myself, I may be able to help here. What I used was some 30 Min. Epozy mixed with Denatured Alcohol. Now, the only painful part about this is having to purchase a whole can of Denatured Alcohol for the 1/32 of an ounce that you need to fuelproof the plane!

Also, after doing that, I put a coat of Sig Fuel Proof Paint (Black) over it, for added protection, and it looks real nice.

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

Bob Smith finishing epoxy is made for brushing.

Dave Segal

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

you can also heat the epoxy to thin it.

Polyester resin (from NAPA) works, but is quite toxic and requires plenty of ventilation.

Also I have used regular rubbing alcohol with no problems in the past.

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

Use rubbing alcohol, Isopropyl, available at most supermarkets and drugstores. Mix about 2/3 epoxy and 1/3 alcohol. Thins nicely and you can buy in small, cheap quantities.

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

Ditto, Some will say that the water in rubbing alcohol will weaken the epoxy, but who cares? You'r only using it for fuelproofing. It's what I use all the time.

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

Gas-line antifreeze works too. What you don't use for the fuel-proofing you put in your car :D

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

ditto the rubbing alcohol.....works for me!

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

You can also use thined PVA, tissue dope or poly urethane paint(varnish, laquer)

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

I like to put the first coat on with some Isopropyl mixed in...let dry then use some rough sandpaper to take down some of the high spots...

Follow this a coat of 30 minute - not deluted - and then take the heat gun and while holding the plane vertical, heat the glue - it flows out smoothly :-)

Jerry

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

Isopropyl water in rubbing alcohol will weaken the epoxy, but who cares?

The above I believe are both wood grain alcohol with water dilute.

Has any one tried vodka or any type of GRAIN alcohol? The medicinal alcohol here is all grain. (Why take the chance on wood base when grain is cheaper and drinkable as well!)

Has anyone diluted WestSystem or is the RC a little different than good structral epoxy?

mikenlapaz

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

It worked great using the epoxy/alcohol mix. Thanks for all the help.
Bill

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

I can think of better uses for Vodka!

Thinning Epoxy??? That's alcohol abuse!

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

ROFLMAO :D :D :spinnyeye :spinnyeye :bananahea :bananahea :p :p

Help with fuelproofing engine compartment.
 

I use clear polyurethane paint for the tank compartment AND the radio compartment. I just pour some in and slosh it around. I use a disposable brush to get at areas it didn't slosh to. When it's all good and wet I tip the plane forward and let the excess drain from holes in the firewall.

If there are any puddle in corners I just soak them up with a paper towel. It takes just a few minutes and gives good coverage. Usually I do it twice.