Fuel-proofing the motor box

[ChopperUp]

Hi FG Users,

I am building my first gasser (35% Pilot-RC Extra 300) and I am interested in what you all think is the best way to fuelproof the motor box. I have heard o f several different ideas from covering everything with a coat of epoxy (which sounds messy and ugly), to covering it all with minwax (really???), to just using automotive quality spray paint.

What is the most commen method? Pictures would be fantastic so I could see the kind of results to expect with a particular method.

Also, I am installing cans. Do I need to add fuel-proofing all of the way down the can tunnel?

Thanks in advance.

Brian

[CCDave]

Just thin some 30 minute expoxy with alcohol and brush it on. Very easy.

[f5air]

correcto, i did mine with epoxy....and a brush, it didnt look messy at all if you do on the right way. Some other applu some alcohol to make it more liquid.

[Shoe]

I use water based Polyurethane anywhere I think there may be the chance of fuel "hittin it."

[ChopperUp]

I assume you are talking about regular old isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)? And I want to do the inside and out of the MB, as well as the front of the fuselage, correct? What about down the tunnel?

[ChopperUp]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Shoe
	I use water based Polyurethane anywhere I think there may be the chance of fuel "hittin it."

That's part of the trouble, I have never had a gasser before so I don't know how much of a mess to expect. Where does all of the fuel come from? The carb or just from the exhaust?

[Shoe]

	Quote: Originally Posted by ChopperUp
	That's part of the trouble, I have never had a gasser before so I don't know how much of a mess to expect. Where does all of the fuel come from? The carb or just from the exhaust?

Well, mostly from the exhaust obviously. But anywhere you have fuel lines, with fittings and filters, you could potentially have a leak. Some carbs that are mounted on the rear of the engine have "blow back" where they will spit residue back into the fuse.

[Mithrandir]

I used some left over asphalt.... THAT looked messy!!!

:O

[Shoe]

[ChopperUp]

Again, are we just talking about regular old rubbing alcohol like I have in my medicine cabinet or something different?

[CCDave]

	Quote: Originally Posted by ChopperUp
	Again, are we just talking about regular old rubbing alcohol like I have in my medicine cabinet or something different?

I use denatured alcohol which can be bought from Home Depot in the painting section. I believe I have used rubbing alcohol, but there is quite a bit of water in it. You will have better results with denatured.

[flyin4fun]

I can't believe nobody suggested this.............................thin CA..just flow it on, and rub it around with your finger (covered with a baggie, of course)......smooooooth as glass

[bodywerks]

It should already have been fuel-proofed at the factory. The wood should look kinda shiny already. If not, don't waste your time and all that weight using epoxy/alcohol. Go to walmart or any hardware store and get Varathane water-based polyurethane and some foam brushes. One coat's all it takes, and applying anywhere other than the wood underneath the cowl is not needed, although some people seal up the fuel tank area.
Gas engines are not slimy and icky like glow...

[ChopperUp]

	Quote: Originally Posted by CCDave
	I use denatured alcohol which can be bought from Home Depot in the painting section. I believe I have used rubbing alcohol, but there is quite a bit of water in it. You will have better results with denatured.

Thanks. Looks like I will need to make yet another frickin' trip to Lowe's!

[ChopperUp]

	Quote: Originally Posted by bodywerks
	It should already have been fuel-proofed at the factory. The wood should look kinda shiny already. If not, don't waste your time and all that weight using epoxy/alcohol. Go to walmart or any hardware store and get Varathane water-based polyurethane and some foam brushes. One coat's all it takes, and applying anywhere other than the wood underneath the cowl is not needed, although some people seal up the fuel tank area. Gas engines are not slimy and icky like glow...

It was not done at the factory. The wood has no sheen to it what-so-ever. I have to say that this method definately sounds more attractive (meaning easier) that having to spread a bunch of glue around. Although it would seem that using glue would also add strength. Hmmmmm...