[TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions

[RVZ]

Hi Guys,

I purchased a Cushcraft XM-240 which was new in the box but was made about 10 years ago.  The label on the box says "Cushcraft XM-240", and doesn't mention MFJ, so perhaps it was made by Cushcraft.   My questions pertains to the 4 loading coils.  I believe the loading coils made by MFJ have heat shrink tubing over the coil, is that correct? The loading coils on this XM-240 don't have heat shrink tubing over them, rather the coil is covered with a thick shiny black epoxy which is very hard.  The epoxy has really sealed up the coils and self tapping screws that connect the coils to the aluminum tubing.  I believe the epoxy would be rather difficult to remove so I'm wondering if I'm likely to have reliable results using the traps "as-is" for a couple years, or if I should remove the hard epoxy from the self- tapping screws now and replace them with screws, nuts, and lock washers?  If I do replace the screws, should I cover them with more epoxy, use heat shrink tubing, or both?  Thanks & 73, Dick- K9OMWisconsin