Glue for plastic (PVC) engine crowl
 

I would like to know what's the best glues for gluing together plastic engine crowl. I have a kit (Zlin Akrobat) with crowl in left, right and top segments.

Previously I used epoxy and superglue but found them too brittle and cracked with the engine vibration.

Chris

Glue for plastic (PVC) engine crowl
 

I've found CA to be the best. I think there is a flex CA on the market. Best bet is to throw away the plastic and get a glass cowling if you can. I know it's painful to throw away a brand new part, but plastic always cracks sooner or later. Usually sooner. I only got five flights before my last ABS part fell off. It was perfectly fit and mounted with large fender washers too. If nothing else, you'll save the hassle of painting a part that will quickly be replaced.

IMHO

Glue for plastic (PVC) engine crowl
 

I use plumber's ABS cement to glue the parts together, but you have to have it right the first time - there is no time delay before it starts working - like maybe 5-10 seconds.

Otherwise, I wick CA into the joint, and put glass cloth inside with ABS cement - just enough to wet the cloth but don't use more than that - it'll melt the plastic overnight.

I've had ABS cowls with glass interiors that survived HARD crashes that you'd think should shatter them to bits. And the cost is VERY low. Buy small cans of cement because it'll probably go bad before you do your second cowl.

Glue for plastic (PVC) engine crowl
 

I bought some stuff called Plastic Weld. I don't know what it contains, but it comes with a small brush in the lid. I use a very small amount (it's thin like acetone) and it melts the plastic together. I've had cowls break in other places, but not where this stuff was. Kinda like PVC cement, it creates a chemical bond.

Glue for plastic (PVC) engine crowl
 

I've always had good luck using acetone. Like "bear750" said, it melts the plastic together.

Ted