Minelab Explorer Classroom Forum

I recently lost a coil cover.... which i might add ML is sending me. But out of the conversation i asked about alternatives like epoxy and bed liner spray and would they affect the warranty. Initially it was a no problem..... then i got this reply:

Upon further consultation the bedliner spray is a no no, however marine epoxy is a go. Hope this helps again.

Sinerely,

John Watson
Customer Care Technician

So if you have a warranty id reconsider the bed liner spray.

Dew

Dew, thanks for sharing the info.

HH

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Garrett AT Pr o
Garrett Pro pin pointer.x2
V3i on the way

AIN'T THIS HOBBY GREAT?

THE ONLY DUMB QUESTION IS THE ONE YOU DON'T ASK.
Kelso, Wa.
where the sun don't shine most of the time.

You are welcome.... i know bed liner spray is popular for some who dont want to use a cover, but it appears it may create a problem for those with warranties. Ive got it on my SEF. I must have gotten the correct brand because ive not noticed an issue. Looks like i might check out the epoxy thou. I notice your from WA state.... been there and you are right the sun dont shine a lot there haha.

Dew

Coil them self have -at least 5mm apoxy layer -like SEF, only pro coil its thinner. nothing bad will happen to use without coil cover. I have grind some coils to make them lighter, believe me it was not fast task with angle grinder.

I have sprayed every coil I own with bed liner in a can and never had detection problems. This on multiple machines/brands. I just touch them up from time to time as needed. I've seen what some guys do to coils with thick epoxy and it looks horrible! I wonder why they do not give BL spray the OK?

bedliner spray is the bomb! I have it on all my coils.

I believe because some bed liner spray contains metal or kavalar. Im told they are unable to calibrate them properly at that point. I have bed liner on my SEF as well, but frankly that 1/8 inch gap and skid plate does give impact protection that bed liner doesnt.

Dew

This is an interesting thread which raises a couple questions in my mind. First, why wouldn't one want to just continue to use the coil cover - do you feel it hinders the detector's ability to ID properly? Secondly, if BL spray works for some of you, what brand are you using?
Thanks,
Don

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CTX-3030, SE Pro, ProPointer

I've got Dupli Color bed liner on three Garrett coils and a Pro Pointer with no troubles at all. Haven't got around to coating the coils on my E-Trac yet. Just for kicks maybe I'll epoxy them.

To get a good job with either material prep is the key to a good start and then thin multiple coats for a good job. You can make one heck of a mess with epoxy if you try. I've worked with the stuff for a living for decades. If you go that route remember that not all epoxies are created equally. Mixing ratios are very important as well as mixing times.Mix it a whole lot longer then you think you need to. Those two components are really not easy to combine and without a complete mix you will get inconsistent results.For instance you should mix a batch of a few ounces for several minutes not 30 seconds!

You should dewax / clean your coil to start. That coil is probably potted with an epoxy to start with and if it's fairly new there's probably a little amine blush on it from the curing reaction. A good scrubbing with a scotch brite and dish soap will remove it. If you try to coat over it nothing will stick well. Rinse it really good to remove soap residue and then I mask off with blue masking tape for epoxy work. Brush on thin, let cure and repeat the above process if you want more millage.

With epoxies the higher the mixing ratio generally the higher the moisture and chemical resistance and abrasion resistance but with less flexibility. I mostly work with 5 to 1 resin to hardener stuff.

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Garrett AT-Pro, Minelab E-Trac, 2 Pro Pointers and a probe rod.

If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good. ~ Thomas J. Watson, Jr.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2011 03:32AM by Sailorman.

Sailorman, thanks for this information.

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CTX-3030, SE Pro, ProPointer

That was good info Sailorman. I also used the Dupli Color...... seems like another reason to just keep the very inexpensive skid plate.

Dew

I would think epoxying the coils would make them heavier? I'm going to try the bed liner spray on one of my coils to see how it does. Thanks Sailorman for the tip on what kind to use.

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Sou obstinado e paciente

I think the weight would be within a few ounces of each other but they both work!

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Garrett AT-Pro, Minelab E-Trac, 2 Pro Pointers and a probe rod.

If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good. ~ Thomas J. Watson, Jr.

Better late then never, I personally use herculiner brush on. Cheap from wal mart, easy touch ups (bonds to itself) and smooth sexy lines. Also its guarnteed to provide water resistance. Works wonders on the old joeys.