intenserapture

Hi,

I am converting an electric ABS plastic boat to Nitro, I dont want the nitro fuel to damage the inside of the boat. What is best to fuel proof it with? All my local model shop has is fuel proofer used on planes, but reluctant to try it incase that easts the ABS as well. Or is ABS resistant to Nitro fuel?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers

intenserapture

Actually, I think it is something called "Plura Plastic" anyone know how this responds to nitro or how to fuel proof it?

Cheers

joseywales

Could do it, one or two ways.. Could coat the inside with one thin coat of epoxy? The other would be to paint it with automotive paints that are two parts/hardner/activator. The ones you use a spraygun with. enamel or urethane paints

intenserapture

Thanks for the reply, I thought about epoxy but was worried about weight (small boat) and perhaps it being brittle? Do you think something like this would be suitable? http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk...d.asp?id=32037

Cheers

Hydro Junkie

Your standard hobby shop grades of epoxy can be brittle. If you get one of the better grade epoxies, I use West Systems, it's not brittle and is fuel proof.
The only thing you will need to do is to scuff up the inside of the hull to give the epoxy something to grab. Before you coat the inside of the boat, make sure you have your engine rails epoxied in.

joseywales

if you don't have westsystem you can use aeromarine or any other marine epoxy that are on the market.

Hydro Junkie

Didn't I just say that JW? What I said was "If you get one of the better grade epoxies, I use West Systems, it's not brittle and is fuel proof". I never said he had to use West Systems, just that I use it. Heck, since I don't know if West Systems is even sold in the British Isles, how can I tell him he has to use it?

R.J. West

I was a huge user of MRP 12 cell electric boats back in the 80's which were made of a heavy duty ABS plastic. I tried epoxy and it just doesnt work. The epoxy will peel right off and it doesnt matter if you sand it to give it something to hold on too. Its like the plastic has a "waxy" residue in it..
In addition MRP also had nitro versions of the same hulls...25" Miss Bud & the 44" Fountain off shore mono come to mind which were both made of heavy duty ABS.

Honesty if its ABS plastic it should hold up to nitro use. I would highly suggest cleaning out or rinsing out the hull when finished after running because of the possibility of the nitro residue may weaken glue joints IF left behind for a length of time.

intenserapture

Thanks for the replies chaps, I have some general purpose epoxy resin I use for boat repairs so may consider trying it just around the engine area and then just try to keep it all clean.

Any feed back on the fuel proofing product link I put up?

Cheers

Hydro Junkie

I don't feel I am qualified to comment on that product as I've never used it. Better to not make a call than to make one and be wrong, if you know what I mean

R.J. West

You mean this? >

toyotatruckin

Call or email BBY racing, if anyone has an answer to that question they will

http://www.bbyracing.com/

also LOL RJ >> [sm=47_47.gif]

Hydro Junkie

RJ and Yota, that wasn't what I would call cute or funny. I should have known you two comedians would have to say something[sm=tongue_smile.gif]

toyotatruckin

HJ>>>[sm=47_47.gif]

R.J. West

WOW! I guess the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words IS true!
Sorry man, I had to jump on this one!

intenserapture

Thanks, will drop them a mail

tnltyme

I agree. After running, I spray everything down with Windexthat comes in contact with fuel and wipe it off with a rag. I spray the whole outside of the hull too. Takes off oily finger prints.....