Different material used for cracked skimmer

[JaySav]

I recently did some repairs to my, already previously repaired with epoxy, cracked skimmer. When I say cracked I use that lightly because my skimmer is in bad shape. In a few years we plan to reseal our gunite and at that point we will probably have a new skimmer put in but for the time being I tried something diff for the repair and wanted to put it out for others who may be interested. I really think it’s going to work very well.

I’m an aircraft mechanic so I’m familiar with a special kind of sealant we use for inside the fuel tanks. The fuel tanks are obviously consistently wet, submerged under toxic fuel so I figured WTH, if it last years and years being soaked in aircraft fuel then it should do well in chlorine water. I luckily got some from work but you can get it on online for about $50-$70. Attached are pics from my repair and links to the product, PR-1422 B 1/2.

So far the repair is looking great after a few weeks, the great thing about it is it’s elasticity unlike an epoxy product. It’s made for flexing aircraft wings. Just keep in mind area needs to be completely dry and clean prior to applying the product. Fully cured after roughly 24 hours.

Pr-1422 Class B Fuel Tank Sealant | Aircraft Spruce

Pr-1422 Class B Fuel Tank Sealant PR-1422 Class B is an aircraft integral fuel tank sealant. It has a service range from -65F (-54°C) to 250°F (121°C), with intermittent excursions up to 275°F (135°C).

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[Newdude]

Goodness, I love this place. I have thanked more new members for joining than I can count because 'with each new member the collective hive gets smarter'

*THIS* is exactly what I'm talking about when I do.

Please keep us posted long term. Of course we are rooting for you, but even if it fails, now we'll know. So you good sir, earned another set of wings today.

 

[JaySav]

Thanks, I will respond back to this post if I start to see deterioration. If you haven’t heard back it’s still good to go!

 

[darkrider]

The repair actually looks pretty good, considering the size of the cracks. I think you made a good call going with an elastic product rather than epoxy. Marine grade epoxy works well on plastic that isn't already brittle, but would likely result in more cracks on something that brittle. If it has held up for a few weeks, and assuming you don't get more cracks, I bet it will survive at least a couple of seasons.

 

[JaySav]

The repair actually looks pretty good, considering the size of the cracks. I think you made a good call going with an elastic product rather than epoxy. Marine grade epoxy works well on plastic that isn't already brittle, but would likely result in more cracks on something that brittle. If it has held up for a few weeks, and assuming you don't get more cracks, I bet it will survive at least a couple of seasons.

Man that PR-1422 is pretty amazing stuff. I’ve dealt with it for years and I’ve seen some amazing things with it. Once it’s dry you can fold it in half and it won’t crack or break. As long as the area is properly prepped, which mine was, I don’t see it failing. I drained water down, let dry for a day, cleaned the skimmer very good with mean green, magic eraser and then alcohol. Blew the cracks out with compressed air while using a heat gun to dry the cracks out good. Taped it (it can be difficult/mess to work with that sealant without taping area) then used a pneumatic sealant gun to inject the cracks, spread the sealant out all over cracked areas and let dry for 24 hours then refilled. Usually looks prettier on planes because you don’t have to cake it on as much but due to the damage I put it on thick so it was hard to smooth out to look pretty. Lol

 

[JaySav]

The repair looks great and is holding up perfectly, FYI.