mj1pate

I am repeatedly seeing reference to petroleum based fluids used as lubricants for bushings and o-rings. Just my 2 cents and soliciting comment:
Petroleum based lubrucants are generally solvents for petroleum based solids. Its not always apparent what kind of compounds make up "rubber" bushings and o-rings. As a general practice, I have followed common professional advise advise for the last 30 years and use non-petroleum lubricants on flexible rubber-like solids the require lubrication for installation. I have used Armorall if the installation time is quick. Its nice and slippery...there may be better. Comments?

Mike

hacker-pschorr

I never use any type of solvent as a lube, nor will I allow anything made by armorall near my garage.

I have been known to use a dab of motor oil to lube up o-rings.

marton

I always use silicon spray as a rubber lubricant (for auto work); no clue what is in it.

Marton

mj1pate

Well...the premise for the question is that fact that oil is a solvent for petroleum solids, like "some" o-rings. Problem is that unless the constituents of the o-rings are known, one cannot be certain how a pre-treatment with oil will affect the o-ring's longevity.

Right...the premise for that suggestion is that Armorall is avertised "safe" for "rubbers", vinyls, and petroleum based products. If one does not like Armorall, then there is a Meguiar's and other similar products. But there may be other kinds of products that are as slippery, safe for rubber/petro based solids and do not evaporate as quickly.

I like silicon too...but am not entirely comfortable with its degree of slipperiness when applied to solids that are press fitted into place, when fit tolerance is at stake.

Mike

Fabio421

Yes, oil dissolves rubber. If you don't believe me, look on the back of a condom package.

Dow makes some good greases that are designed to be used with rubber. It is silicon based I believe. Your local swimming pool supply shop will also have some silicon based lube on hand.

hacker-pschorr

Silicon + intake = O2 sensor damage

Any o-ring in the intake has a good chance of seeing oil.

So back to square one with no easy answer.

Fabio - I have some of that Dow stuff.

marton

I find it great for those 8 little rubber hoses on my 16v inlet manifold (plenum) otherwise they are @#*"$@ to slide up & down.

Of course I have no 02 sensor

Marton

Rob Edwards

I used a sparing amount of Dow Corning high-vacuum silicone grease on my injector o-rings. No problems here.

mj1pate

What is the interraction there? Is it an actual chemical reaction? Or does the silicon coat the sensor?

Mike

hacker-pschorr

I found out the hard way this stuff does NOT seal very well under boost.
Not sure, just read in a few places to be careful using anything that containes silicone on intake parts since it can damage O2 sensors.

Quick search found this:

Dennis Wilson

The safest item for rubber is a product that used to be called Rubber Lube. Not sure what they call it now but it is a water based latex. It is still used for mounting tires and as an additive for portland cement based products.

Dennis

mj1pate

Wow...thanks for that;

Mike

Jim M.

If a hose or o-ring will be subject to oil, be it refrigeratnt oil, transmission oil, power steeting fluid or engine oil then it's okay to pre-lube it with that oil. If it's only subject to air/vacuum then liquid soap or some of the commercially available o-ring assembly lubes are acceptable. If you are having some trouble with vacuum or boost leaks on hoses, then assemble them with WD-40. Once it dries you will have to cut the hose off. Dirt track racers often mount their tires with WD-40 to keep the tires from spinning on the wheels.

Jim Mayzurk
93 GTS 5-spd

Imo000

I use WD40 for O rings. Automotive O rings are petroleum resistant and since WD40 is petroleum based, I just used that. Haven’t had any issues so far.

Imo000

Silicone sealers are things like RTV gaskets makers ans such. I don't think silicone lubricant's have enough material to make this a problem.