Fs 50’s epoxy in carbs

[DylanS]

For what it’s worth, SEs have the same plug and epoxy in the same spot. whatever they use fails in 2 rides and clogs the undrilled returns. Everyone just grinds it off and repairs with Jb weld tank weld. I also drilled my returns and run a filter before return jet because I was tired of dealing with clogged internet returns.

Actually I was curious as to whether a filter prior to the return jet would make a difference in pressure but I suppose the jet itself would be the most restrictive point so it wouldn’t be an issue. It’s interesting to me that they all use epoxy there when those caps are press fit from factory correct? Anyways we’ll see how panelbond holds up for now.

 

[800750]

I think it’s hsi but the constantly have stories of se 50s coming in for epoxy update

 

[Sparkplug]

I think it’s hsi but the constantly have stories of se 50s coming in for epoxy update

No way!! The carbs they pushed on everyone and told everyone were the best!!

 

[Jcary85]

No way!! The carbs they pushed on everyone and told everyone were the best!!

They are good carbs. Just crap epoxy

 

[Storbeck]

I guess this is what you get for being cheap and only spending 2 grand for a set of carbs. (?)

 

[Jcary85]

Hey that’s the jet ski industry. Top dollar for mediocrity

 

[JKMike]

here you have it. Packed.

Shouldn't the O-Rings around those press in plugs prevent any fuel from getting to them? I have FS 50's as well and only one of those plugs has epoxy on them. The last time i took them off i did notice some of the epoxy seemed ready to flake off but it also looked like fuel shouldn't be getting to those plugs anyways. Or am I wrong?

 

[Wetbuffalo]

Shouldn't the O-Rings around those press in plugs prevent any fuel from getting to them? I have FS 50's as well and only one of those plugs has epoxy on them. The last time i took them off i did notice some of the epoxy seemed ready to flake off but it also looked like fuel shouldn't be getting to those plugs anyways. Or am I wrong?

I would agree with you too. That there should be some kinda seal provided by the oring and the black diaphragm that goes there too. Kind of a mystery as to how the epoxy would get out?

 

[JKMike]

I would agree with you too. That there should be some kinda seal provided by the oring and the black diaphragm that goes there too. Kind of a mystery as to how the epoxy would get out?

Thats not the only place epoxy is used in the FS 50's. Ed also inserts a larger tube going from the fuel pump side of the carb to the side with the jets and at least on mine they are epoxied in. With that said, that tube is right after where the little filter piece is, so that epoxy wouldn't explain why the OP's filter was clogged.

 

[DylanS]

you are correct, I hadn’t even thought about that.
I am not sure, I would assume what was in the filters was the epoxy since it was only an issue on that carb but there was some small bits in the other one as well. The stuff was a slightly different shade than what was on the carb but I figured fuel exposure discolored it. I could be totally wrong and it may have gotten by the filter if the paper side separated from the housing. Regardless I’ve changed to a different style filter now.
As far as it breaking down I’m assuming the fuel seeped in from the underside of the plug and ate away at it from the bottom up? Maybe Ed used a different style of expoxy there assuming it wouldn’t see fuel? If you look at the images again you can see where there was some sort of goop under the plastic pump disks that I had written off as dissolved epoxy but that wouldn’t make much sense would it?

 

[Jhucke]

Carb on right only one with cap epoxy…

I am surprised that at $2k pricepoint, they couldn't be bothered to braze this joint instead of epoxy it. Odd design choice given the product is designed to be submerged in fuel.

 

[hornedogg79]

They're only intended to be used for a few seasons then replaced with new. I was told my fs46's had extended past their life of service 10 years ago. It's gonna bite me in the azz one day.

 

[kevbo]

There is good aerospace epoxy that won’t deteriorate. Who wants to pay over $200 for a pint??

 

[Jhucke]

They're only intended to be used for a few seasons then replaced with new. I was told my fs46's had extended past their life of service 10 years ago. It's gonna bite me in the azz one day.

So a full spec carb is officially a maintenance item? Is epoxy the reason for such disposable nature?

 

[hornedogg79]

So a full spec carb is officially a maintenance item? Is epoxy the reason for such disposable nature?

Just what he told me and others who tried to have their older ones serviced. I got new throttle valves from jetmaniac and they've been perfect since.

 

[Sparkplug]

I am surprised that at $2k pricepoint, they couldn't be bothered to braze this joint instead of epoxy it. Odd design choice given the product is designed to be submerged in fuel.

Putting heat to a carb like that. With such thin areas. Would be a bit sketch.