While I have not tried this specific repair, I can add some help to this thread,
as I have worked in the plastics industry for over 22 years, and I work in the
research & development department. The float is made out of a HDPE (high density
polyethylene). A coffee can lid is LDPE (low density) and will not bond well
with
HD. More common uses of HDPE are milk jugs and washer solvent or antifreeze
jugs.
I would recommend using the washer solvent or antifreeze jug as a donor patch as
they should be more chemically resistant. I have used a soldering iron to melt
HD
enough to bond well for other projects and have used an old spoon to push the
two
together when it was hot. Do this all the way around the hole and let cool, dunk
in water to check for leaks. If none, you are ready to re-install. If there is a
leak, drain and remelt.
Good luck,
Howard Baugues
R&D Associate
Cadillac Products Packaging Company
Atwell Haines wrote:
> At 01:30 PM 3/12/2001 -0600, Ree Gurley wrote:
>
> >Douglas, Try the web site www.rdent.com. That is a Lotus outfit just north
> >of Philadelphia; Ray P. (a very nice guy & quite responsive) sells the
> >floats for about $8.00 plus $4.00 shipping. [I tried fixing mine a while
> >ago, but wasn't too successful, so I ordered two (1 for a spare).] If all
> >else fails, let me know & I'll send you my spare; it is barrel-shaped &
> >about the size of 35mm film cartridge.
> >
> >Cheers, Ree Gurley in Silver Spring, MD - 78 Spit FM73070U O
>
> I drilled the hole, emptied the old float, and re-sealed it. Looked as if
> it would be OK.
>
> I was heartbroken to find it filling up again a couple months later. I got
> my replacement float from RD also.
>
> So, my advice is to save time and replace the darn thing -- it should last
> at least twenty more years!
>
> Atwell Haines
> '79 Spitfire
> Succasunna, NJ USA
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My Spitfire is not leaking oil, it's just marking it's spot..........
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