Epoxy for Thermoquad Wells

[CharNational]

Originally Posted by Tim Potter

Post # 17: http://www.ihonlynorth.com/forums/ca...e-stuff-2.html

As far as I know, Michael's determination for failure was never reversed or amended. I tend to trust what the Professor says; however......if you have confidence in JB Weld to hold up for this application, then by all means to each his own. One thing that I know to be consistently true is that everybody's experiences are not the same whether the discussion is of JB Weld or Oil or Paint or fill in the blank, opinions differ vastly on virtually every subject.

I am aware that according to JB's site their Weld and Stick products are completely impervious to gasoline when properly cured. At the same time, the main well of a TQ is thermoplastic resin, not metal. I have read on other sites that JB Weld is not recommended to repair thermoplastic fuel tanks because it will not adhere to the base material. However, this too is hearsay as is most online information. If there is an adhesion problem with thermoplastics perhaps it can be overcome with an etching agent of some kind or some other surface prep. I have not tested this myself nor do I intend to.

It all comes down to whose input is the most trusted; which is the choice of each individual. I trust what Mayben says because he speaks from decades of real world experience, he's analytical and thorough in his processes and.... I've never known him to be wrong.....about anything.......ever.

The center body of a TQ is a phenolic resin reinforced fiberglass/plastic compound, not thermoplastic as you describe it. It is more durable than most people think, and it is a form of plastic, yes, but it is not the same compound make-up as a poly external fuel cell. I understand where you are coming from, nor am I disputing Mayben's findings. I'm simply speaking from my experience.

[Ristin]

I repaired mine with JB Weld and so far so good. However, every time my Scout hiccups or is hard to start, the first thing I think about are Mayben's words of warning.

[Ristin]

Dredging up an old thread with a status change.
My truck was getting hard to start again. Upon dis-assembly of the carb, one JB Welded fuel well had fallen completely off and the other was dripping a lot. The JB Weld was soft and pliable and pulled off like a big scab. Can't say for certain if it was the affects of gas immersion or bad prep. I thoroughly cleaned everything but I don't think I roughed up the surface. However the JB Weld was not hard like usual so maybe I mixed wrong. Anywho, just an FYI

[mallen]

Originally Posted by CharNational

I've used JB weld "JB qwik" on quite a few of those "Baby oil pans" in the bottom of the phenolic bodies and the last one I did back in 2001 is still holding perfect. Those are already glued with an adhesive when they were built at the Carter Factory, but after 20-30 years, it gives way to being constantly submerged in fuel. The JB weld is impervious to that and will hold up better. It's a two part epoxy that you squeeze equal amounts together and mix. I used a small flatblade screwdriver to mix & apply mine due to the fact that you don't need much to do those wells. I used a piece of cardboard to mix it on that you can throw away once done, then I wiped screwdriver off with a paper towel before it sets.

That is interesting. Ive read that JB Weld wont hold up under ethanol,and have read where someone tested it and found it got "gummy" after a while. There is a subtle point many are missing. You didnt USE JB Weld. You used JB Qwik Weld,which is a different product.

[codeman]

I posted up about this on IHPA. I, too, am skeptical about the JB Weld b/c of Mr. Mayben's post. Currently, I have an "experiment" underway using Marine Tex - Gray to adhere the wells. I have attached a bakelite pot handle to the body of an old Holley with Marine Tex and having it soaking in fuel. It's been in there a couple months and, so far, so good. The tech people at Marine Tex suggested this product and sent me a "trial" kit, no charge. I'll continue to monitor this product and report back.