vap0rtranz
Active member
What are folks' thoughts on reconditioning vs replacing gaskets, seals, etc.?
I've typically replaced but on some models it's hard to get replacements, usually because the gasket / seal sizes aren't made anymore, and even sources that say "will fit" actually need manhandling into place.
There's a lot of "chemists" online that look to doing more alchemy than science on old gaskets & seals. Suggestions range from heating / boiling in H20, to "marinating" in ammonia, applying brake fluid or petroleum jelly, to pitching some product ... the ideas are sometimes scary. I don't play lightly with chemicals like ammonia.
I realize methods depend on material: rubber vs nylon vs silicon vs foam gaskets / seals would probably need different reconditioning methods?
Or I switch to liquid / putty sealants and pray the sealant sets up right -- and doesn't get sucked into the vacuum -- and hope I never need to reseal the gap
Any success on making hard-as-plastic gaskets pliable again?
I've typically replaced but on some models it's hard to get replacements, usually because the gasket / seal sizes aren't made anymore, and even sources that say "will fit" actually need manhandling into place.
There's a lot of "chemists" online that look to doing more alchemy than science on old gaskets & seals. Suggestions range from heating / boiling in H20, to "marinating" in ammonia, applying brake fluid or petroleum jelly, to pitching some product ... the ideas are sometimes scary. I don't play lightly with chemicals like ammonia.
I realize methods depend on material: rubber vs nylon vs silicon vs foam gaskets / seals would probably need different reconditioning methods?
Or I switch to liquid / putty sealants and pray the sealant sets up right -- and doesn't get sucked into the vacuum -- and hope I never need to reseal the gap

Any success on making hard-as-plastic gaskets pliable again?