Coat the float?

[Alan]

Hello to all;
I apologize if this topic is tired.

Do I even need to coat the cork float in the carb off of my ’67 OMC 80 HP V-4?

I can tell y’all, model airplane, "hot fuel proof" dope is not, in fact, immune to whatever is sold as gasoline, in central CA.

I pulled the carb apart when it wouldn’t run right, and the coating I’d used on the float 3 years ago was white, mostly flaked off, and gumming up the works.

I’ve cleaned up the float, (which is in good shape) and have looked over old postings on this board.
I can’t seem to find gas tank sealants locally, (like POR 15, or the other tank sealants I’ve seen mentioned here).
I’ve seen folks recommend "super glue", and seen some folks claim it won’t last.
Then there’s the contingent who use no coating, and this seems to have worked well for them, so far.

So, do I need to coat it at all?
If so, has anyone had any failures with super glue type adhesives??
All opinions welcome.
Happy motoring!
Alan

[vintin]

I coated two floats with POR-15.

It’s only been six months. If I have problems I’ll be sure to report it here.

[amuller]

I’ve coated a couple of cork floats with POR 15 after reading various opinions. I haven’t had them in service for long enough to know how they will stand up. The stuff seems to cure quite hard and to firm up any looseness between the cork and it’s bracket.

Amazon has it.

[Alan]

I’m having trouble finding POR-15 locally, but I’ll keep looking. I liked the look of the one I saw posted here, and I think a fuel tank sealant would do the job. I guess I’ll order it online if I can’t hunt it down.
Here’s a pic of what didn’t work, (for me, in my opinion; don’t sue me!) I didn’t use any weird fuel or additive, and applied multiple coats giving it time to dry, in warm, dry weather.
All replies appreciated!

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[chris-p]

Calan,

I too have tried that model airplane dope. Its terrible!

I did about a dozen motors as well, and ALL failed, coming back to me for re work. It gums up, and clogs every passage possible. Throw that jar in the trash can like I did, its terrible.

[frankr]

Simple. Break down and buy a new float for that V-4. The new ones are coated with a different material than the old ones were. The old ones were coated with shellac and alcohol eats shellac.

I, too, had bad luck with the airplane dope.

[Alan]

Many thanks to all!
I bet I can track down a new float, and I bet it’s not a budget buster.
The fun part will be calling the friends whose floats I coated with this and geting those straightened out.
Ah, live and learn
Appreciated!
Alan

[crosbyman]

tried crazy glue ??

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[vintin]

I think the quest for finding a suitable coating product is worthwhile. Getting a new float is a hard to beat suggestion.

Some floats are no longer available. Also floats of alternative materials like balsa wood would need coating.

I will continue playing with POR-15 and keeping notes on how things turn out.

[reivertom]

Has every type of model airplane "dope" failed its users? I have a different type than is shown, and I wonder if it’s different than the one you’ve shown. I am getting close to having to coat some and would like to know for sure. I have the "Sig Supercoat" that is supposedly fuel proof. This is the one everybody on here suggested as being the best.

[Author]

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