Too bad I cannot find a chemical to dissolve the epoxy
 potting compound in failed RX8 coils. I'll bet they are
 a dime a dozen. I could use them with a separated IGBT
 switch :)

 Paul Lamar

 Mogas with ethanol famously dissolves the epoxy in fiberglass epoxy fuel
 tanks. Probably takes time to soak in.

 Al Rees

 I think I'll try it

 Paul Lamar


 Ethanol works on polyester resins but not epoxy, couldn't you get any
 ether?
 John Evans

 I have not tried John.
 The DEA would be on me like bees on Honey :)

 Paul Lamasr

 If a local compounding pharmacy is approached they may be prepared to
 make some available - even if you have to leave the coil in their
 custody while it softens the epoxy. From what I recall it is a slow
 process, you have to dig it out as it softens to give the ether access
 to the deeper bit.


 I will call my friend in Queensland for further details - if he hasn't
 been washed away by the unprecedented floods.

 John Evans

 Thanks John.
 Got any dead RX8 coils over there?

 Paul Lamar

No I haven't got any RX8 coils, there are a couple of RX7 coils on the
shelf in our skunk works, we'll have to check them carefully when we get
to that stage.

I've spoken to Warren, he's down here at the moment, he assures me that
if the coil is sealed in a jar supported out of the liquid ether the
fumes will soften the epoxy in 24 hrs or so. He is aware of the
electronics inside the coils, do you want me to ask him any specific
questions about them?

Another possible source of ether could be model aeroplane people who use
it in their diesel fuel, failing that you could look for your local
friendly designer drug lab:)

John Evans

Yes I would like to know exactly what is in the RX8 coils.
Not so much the IGBT but what does the input circuit look
like and if there is any overheating shutdown circuitry?

BTW how many people on here are planning on using RX8 coils?

I might be prematurely worried.

Paul Lamar


I've just looked up methylforamide on Wickipaedia. It claims that
acetylene is dissolved in methylforamide in welding gas bottles! That
might be easier to find than ether. It appears to be a very active solvent.

John Evans



Isn't ether the main ingredient in starting fluid spray cans?  Cruise down to Oreilly and check a can.

Heat might be an effective way to remove epoxy from metal things.


Matt-