Scoubidou

My Feedback: (17)

Just looking for some good ideas to protect the firewall, for long term. [8D]
Please, only for gas engine

Jake Ruddy

My Feedback: (40)

Mix up some epoxy add a bit of rubbing alcohol to thin it out.

Brush it all over your firewall... adds some strength and seals it from gas. Peace of cake

Dr1Driver

Epoxy, CA, poly-u, latex house paint. All work well for gasoline.

Dr.1

Scoubidou

My Feedback: (17)

I did not have good success with 30min epoxy. Gas or heat will heat the epoxy joint.


do you use 30min epoxy resin without hardener or 30min resin epoxy+hardener?
Dan

Jake Ruddy

My Feedback: (40)

you use it just like you normally would.. just add some alcohol to thin it out a bit.

I dont see how your firewall could get remotely hot enough to bother the epoxy

Scoubidou

My Feedback: (17)

On my 33% WH 260, I used a JMB Oring bracket to hold my canister to the fuse. The JMB bracket was screwed to a hadwood block that was epoxied to the engine box.

A canister can be very hot and if you combine vibrations and gas, the harwood block will not last very long, like mine[]

Zeeb

My Feedback: (41)

I think it works great for fuel proofing both for gas and glow and have used it for both.

The only couple of things I've found to be aware of about using thinned epoxy;

I had problems with the stuff drying properly using regular rubbing alcohol which is only 70% from the local pharmacy, so I tried the the 90% stuff found there if you look for it. That was better but I've gone to the 100% denatured alcohol from the local hardware/paint store, that seems to work the best for me. I attributed the problems with the rubbing alcohol to the fact that it wasn't the straight stuff as the other 30% I think is water?

Any way, my buddy who taught me the thinned epoxy trick says he's used the regular rubbing alcohol for years with no problems and he thinks I did something wrong...

I was taught to mix the epoxy first then thin quickly before it starts to set, but I've since heard others say it can be mixed and thinned at the same time, I haven't tried that yet.

The other thing to watch out for is don't get it too thinned out, it doesn't take a lot of alcohol to thin it out.

Dr1Driver

Zeeb is right, drugstore rubbing alcohol has too much water to properly cure the epoxy. However, they can usually order denatured alcohol, or you can find it at some hardware stores.

Dr.1

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

I don't know how many times I've heard this in the last couple of years but I've found just the opposite. For as long as I can remember I've been going on down to the local drug store or whatever and buying regular, everyday rubbing alcohol when it was on sale to use for clean up after using epoxy and for thinning several types of epoxy and I've never had a problem with it. All I've ever done is mix the two epoxy components at the proper ratios and then thin to the consistency I wanted.

If you really have to have denautured alcohol you can get it at any paint store or home improvement chain. Don't get it on a painted surface.

Dr1Driver

In my experience, epoxy mixed with rubbing alcohol cures much more slowly and tends to remain soft or sticky for a long time, unless extra hardener is added.

Dr.1

flymeaway

My Feedback: (6)

What about using good ole Sig clear dope? That is what I'm planning on using unless otherwise talked out of it.

Rodney

I have seen to many times an epoxy finish turn bad because of thinning with alchohol. Best is use slow (30 minute or slower) epoxy spread on as thin as you can then gently heat it with your heat gun, not so hot it bubbles, just to about 160-180 degrees. you will see the epoxy suddenly thin out and capillary into every nook and cranny and it will cure out properly and rather quickly after the application of heat.

Josey Wales

My Feedback: (61)

Thats EXACTLY what I do as well..no need for any alcohol..works perfectly every time and dries quickly

nonstoprc

My Feedback: (90)

I've used clear polyurethane paint found in many hardware stores. Worked well for both glow and gas fuel protection. With fast-dry type, you can apply multiple coatings in a couple of minutes and done with it.

Besides, an 8-oz can can last you a long long time.

-qc

pcm

My Feedback: (13)

I like to use automotive paint in a color that nearly matches my plane. Give it a good clear coat and your good to go. Not only is it fuel proof but it looks nice too. Much nicer then the ole epoxy on a brush look.

Call me picky but it sure will complement your plane in the end.[8D]

Dr1Driver

Good suggestions, Rodney and pcm.

Heat-thinned expoxy does work the best. I haven't tried automotive paint yet, but you can get touch-up colors in little spray cans almost anywhere. You're right, pcm, a matching firewall/engine compartment does add a lot to the appearance of the plane.

Dr.1

Scoubidou

My Feedback: (17)

I am going to try it.
thanks

Daniel

Absolut Yak

My Feedback: (4)

I used rubbing alchohol with 6 minute epoxy on a really hot day and the water boiled in the mixing cup. Caused the thing to foam up into a mushroom. I'm sure it's the water that makes it soft and take forever to set properly.

I know, 6 minute epoxy, water, hot day. Kinda like eating pop rocks while drinking a Coke.

Jake Ruddy

My Feedback: (40)

well I dont know how much rubbing alcohol you are using but I havent seen any of the issues being described here and I have done this atleast 8 times.

You are correct it does take awhile to dry... but I assumed that from day one and it has always been something I did before I went to bed.

As far as which alcohol to use.. I have never even read the bottle as to which rubbing alchol I am grabbing.. whatever they had worked fine for me.

I do like the idea of the matching paint though

russian

My Feedback: (23)

Instead of alcohol, try acetone! Use 30 or 60 min epoxy and you'll be OK!

bipeaddict

I glass my firewall with .56 oz fiberglass cloth and West System 105 Resin and 207 hardener. The 207 is very thin and takes longer to harden. If just fuel proofing I use the 207 epoxy. Back to the firewall. I then prime and fill using Klasskote 2 part epoxy filler followed with Klasskote 2 part epoxy paint.

nvdwalt

I used woodcare floor varnish it cures in 30 min and is clear and as hard as a rock, 3 cotes with the enjine on coat on the enjine mount to make a seal between the mount an fire wall

Nic

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

2-3 coatings of finishing epoxy or polyurethane works great

captain stowed

Do you guys "Gas proof" right into the cannister tunnel? Where do I stop?

m.