Need Expertise on Rubber Softeners

Looking for rubber softeners, I compiled this list from a google search:

Bleach; Gasoline; Transmission stop leak; Brake fluid; Antifreeze; Rubbing alcohol; Castor Oil; Dioctyl Sebacate (PVC plasticizer); Silicone waterproofing for re-proofing camping tents; Car racing tire conditioner (various brands).

Anyone out there experienced in reconditioning carb inlet ducts?

if you are talking about the air cleaner to carb boots. i have alway just boiled water and plopped them in for a minute. it will give you about three minutes of working time. wear gloves cause they will be hot, but the come out like rubber bands.
i do not think there is something that will permanently soften then back up.

I've been trying power steering fluid with some success. It's not getting them back to pristine condition, but it does seem to be softening them some. Picked up the idea from an MG restoration site.

After much messing around trying to soften the old ones and spending much time trying to refit the oldies, I gave it away and bought some fresh ones.

Believe me the saving in aggravation was worth the few dollars involved.

You guys might like to look up the website of Ozrace re: rubber softener, I bought some of their AZNU tyre softener a while back and it works well on carb holders etc, you should be able to source it in the states with the amount of drag racing that happens over there. Website is www.ozrace.com ., best of luck !!!
Tony

del

You might try PB Blaster too. It will swell and soften o-rings, might work on airbox boots.

Something i have used successfully is simple vaseline.

Of course it's all a matter of how dried-out and brittle the rubber you are trying to recondition is but essentially the vaseline is a petroleum(sp?) product as many rubbers are too. Just rub the vaseline onto the rubber parts and let sit. The older and harder the rubber is the longer you might have to leave it. Sometimes even applying more after a few days. When you are ready to use the part, just wipe it free of any excess vaseline. Oh, yeah... and don't put the jar back in the medicine cabinet, your wife might not approve of your new found use for her make-up remover :whistle:

Another great tip for rubber parts is using rubbing alcohol (i pour it into small atomizer bottles and spray it onto the parts) when installing tight-fitting rubber parts. Rubbing alcohol will make it slippery as greased-lightening and then evaporate clean, leaving no mess.

Storing rubber parts is made easier by putting them into plastic baggies and dumping in some talc powder (baby powder) which will keep them soft and in good condition.

I use these steps in daily vintage auto restoration.

pods/z1enterprises.

themachine wrote:

pods/z1enterprises.

I don't know enough about carb rejetting, etc to try pods!:blink:

Post edited by: Spot, at: 2007/10/20 13:29

spot, I messed with mine for years, even "melted" one in the microwave. I understand money can be tight but getting new ones from Z1 will be like a night and day differance! Carbs will come on and off in half the time! Best way to go!

Thanks for the help everyone! I tried the boiling water. They were soft until they made contact with the carb. The metal cooled them and they stayed in the position they were in. Since I was stretching them, they stayed stretched out.
I'm gonna order new ones, and experiment with these while I'm waiting for them to come in. I'll try vaseline on one, bleach on one, power steering fluid on one, and antifreeze on one. I'll let y'all know what happens to them.