Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

[rickdb1boat]

Just wondering if Marine Tex is more fluid than the 3-M product? The reason I ask, is because I have developed a small leak in a seam on the top and in back of the log on my pontoon boat, that would be hard to just put something stiffer on it, as I really can't see where the leak is, due to it being on top and behind the seam. So, I was hoping to just basically pour a small amount of whatever is semi-fluid on top of there and hopefully it would spread out and seal it. It cannot come out under the seam, so that would not be a problem. Just want it to flow down the top of the backside and hopefully INTO and down the seam to seal wherever the leak is. Any ideas? I know this is hard to understand what I'm talking about, but the question is still the same. I thought of trying to smear some 5200 all over there with my finger, but I don't know if it would do the trick. Sorry for the long post, but this is a tough one that's got me going in circles. Maybe this pic will help, but not one of my better ones:<br /><br />BTW- No way to weld it. Tried that yesterday. Took it to a friend who does welding and he said no way cause he could not get to it and was not sure he would even hit the right spot if he could, as you can see, there is only about 3" to work with behind the seam..<br /><br />

 

[cp]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

In my experience, properly mixed Marine-Tex (5 parts marine-tex to 1 part catalyst) is like a paste or putty and will not flow like you need. Hope you can find something that'll do the trick for you.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Thanks for the input, pchonda. Maybe others will have ideas....

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

one of the thicker "gell" type crazy glues?<br />used it on a trolling motor part in the past and<br />it held forever and was not affected by water...

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

JB weld when mixed will self level. Meaning when put in place as a blob on something, will become more of a puddle than a blob before it starts to set.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Pro-seal, or flamemaster aircraft tank sealant would be good for that...it etches and adheres to aluminum very well too. I'll see if I can get ya a phone number.....

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

rick- i know west marine (and probably others) sells a tube of stuff that is very fluid and bonds and seals everything. it's made for finding hairline cracks and filling them. can't remember the name- creek n seal, creep n seal, something. i'll look next time i'm out.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

i think this is what i was talking about.<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...10001&classNum=96&subdeptNum=11160&storeNum=4

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Rick, if that won't do it, here's the number for Aviall: 1-800-284-2551<br />Flamemaster brushable is what you want, and I believe quarts are the smallest quantity.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Rick, Why nt buy some standard epoxy and thicken it until it has the correct flow characteristics? Marine-tex is really a putty knife job. Alternatively, if you buy 5::1 epoxy resin, it will likely be compatable with marine-tex and you could thin the marine-tex with it, until it has the proper flow! Also, if you could saturate some cloth with the epoxy resin and stick it to the marine-tex at the repair site, it would be better. I have repaired steel fuel tanks this way. It works much better than marine-tex alone!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Marine-tex is polyester based and is not compatable with epoxy-based resins.<br />The term "epoxy" is used very loosely in most cases, and epoxy does not adhere to aluminum properly for any period of time.<br />The pro-seal or flamaster sealant I speak of, is designed to flex when dry, actually "etches" aluminum and is impervious to fuel of any sort, including oil and battery acid.<br />It's easily obtained from any local airport that has a general aviation shop. <br />I've used this product for years on boats, both fiberglass and aluminum, and nothing will seal or adhere near as good.<br />During construction of an aircraft wing, this stuff is literally brushed on the seams where ribs meet the outer skin, over rivot buck-tails, bolt-in fittings, etc.<br />It takes about 24-36 hours to dry for use, but well worth the wait because you won't ever have to fix that spot again.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. The stuff that Matttt25 mentioned looks like it may do the trick and there is a West right down the road. Also, walleyehed seems to have a good solution. Brushing it on would work well. Mellow, I wonder if the crazy glue would flow enough and stick well enough to do the job? I'd hate to try something and then not be able to get to it to try and use something different. What to do??? All good suggestions though and I really appreciate them.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

rick, let us know what you use and how it works. thanks, and good luck-

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

I like Matt's suggestion assuming it's not too<br />thin so it will flow right into the toon.<br />never seen that stuff b4... and the name is hilarious!

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

rick, i used "gluv-it" to seal the outside of my aluminum boat and will do exactly as you need on your pontoons. it is self leveling and will flow into whatever holes and cracks you have.<br /><br />it is actually made by marine tex. check it out. <br /><br />goes on with a brush or roller.<br /><br />one note: gluv-it is kinda a pain in the a$$ to sand smooth and pretty. i covered mine with 3 layers of paint. but it WILL WORK, none the less.<br /><br />m ikey

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Is there any sealer that is real fluid and spreads out???

Mike, it will never be seen. I hope to basically "pour" one of these products right down the seam shown in the picture and hopefully it will flow and seal up the seam wherever the leak is at, cause it's hard to pinpoint. It is not a bad leak, but it is there. I just want to seal it up completly, so there are no future problems with water getting in the log. Very small seam leak right now... I know gluv-it is a great product and thanks for the heads up.. I'm gonna try something this weekend. Just have to figure out what. I have West Marine at my disposal, so getting products should not be a problem..