Revarnishing a cork carb float...

[Colorado04]

I have a 1929 Johnson J-25 1.5hp motor. It runs pretty good for it's age. When I cleaned the carb out. I noticed the float was made of cork. I have read that you can and should revarnish them once in while. I was wondering what the process was and if you needed to use any special type of varnish? Would anyone happen to have done this before and what is the process?

Thanks in advance.

Donnie.

 

[F_R]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

First thing is to dry the cork out to get the gas out of it. There are 3 main schools of thought as to what is the best sealer. Thinned epoxy, Super Glue, and Fuel-proof Model Airplane "dope" from the hobby store. I've never used the first two, but have used the dope and it works well. The original coating was shellac, but alcohol in today's fuel disolves shellac.

But, depending on the size of it, it is better yet to get a Mercury part number 1395-8903 (Sierra/iboats 18-7208) float which is made of modern fuel-proof foam stuff and can be modified to fit your carb. Cutting it does not allow it to absorb fuel.

 

[reload]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

I think my father used to coat them with glyptol enamel. It was used for transformer winding.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

Shellac. I made one from scratch. Just used a large cork from a bottle from Goodwilll, shaped it and shellaced it.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

I just use varnish since I always have it laying around. I figure by the time gas eats through it it'll be time to rebuild the carb anyway.

 

[Colorado04]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

Thanks for your suggestions guys.

F_R , how many coats of model airplane "dope" should be applied?

Is there any tell tale sign that all the fuel has evporated out of the cork or is it just a matter of letting it sit out for a while?

D.

 

[F_R]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

I put about 4 coats on, or Whatever "seems right". I guess the same stupid answer goes for the dryness of the cork. Whatever seems right. Some guys dry them in the wife's oven.

No kidding, use the Mercury float if you can.

 

[Colorado04]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

Thanks man....

 

[charles butler]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

WEB: POR 15 , Product : U.S. Standard fuel tank sealer .
An 8 oz. can is $10.75 fob. Apply 2 or more coats with a small cheap brush. LET IT CURE / DRY 12 HRS. BETWEEN COATS. If cork is bad; make a duplicate from firm middle grade BALSA WOOD [EASY TO DO]. GET WOOD FROM HOBBY MODEL SHOPS,

 

[charles butler]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

I have a 1929 Johnson J-25 1.5hp motor. It runs pretty good for it's age. When I cleaned the carb out. I noticed the float was made of cork. I have read that you can and should revarnish them once in while. I was wondering what the process was and if you needed to use any special type of varnish? Would anyone happen to have done this before and what is the process?

Thanks in advance.

Donnie.
Google " POR 15 " , BROWSE TO THEIR PRODUCT , "U.S.Standard fuel tank sealer". IT WORKS GREAT ON FLOATS. I apply 2 cotes. I MAKE NEW FLOATS FROM MIDDLE GRADE BALSA [not cork] ! MUCH easier and better to work with & lighter than cork.

CHARLIE [ ke4fes@tampabay.rr.com ]

 

[allymoss]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

hi, i have a cork float aswell. Could I coat with petrol resistant laquer as I have some. I dont know if it is designed to withstand soaking in petrol.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Revarnishing a cork carb float...

Sure. I use polyeurathane, which is also oil resistant.