old stiff gaskets

[xskid1]

I got some ssm water pump gaskets from mercury and they are very old stock, they are as stiff as a board. is there any way to soften up them? I called merc and they said all they have are the stiff ones, no newer ones, probably going nla soon.

[427Man]

If they are rubber, you can soak them in denatured alcohol. The gasket will swell to larger than normal size, but once you lay them out to dry they will shrink back down to normal size and be soft and pliable. I've used this with old motorcycle gaskets successfully many times. Good luck.

[Bodhi]

If they are rubber, you can soak them in denatured alcohol. The gasket will swell to larger than normal size, but once you lay them out to dry they will shrink back down to normal size and be soft and pliable. I've used this with old motorcycle gaskets successfully many times. Good luck.

I've never heard of this, I'm glad you bring it up cuz I've thrown out maybe a hundred various outboard gaskets over time....if it works, you've just saved me alot of sesrching

[xskid1]

not rubber. some type of gasket material.

[mn808gade]

depending on material,2-stroke oil or wd-40 sometimes-th

[TODD_TN]

What about Chapstick ?

I use Chapstick on nearly all gaskets. the paraffin wax keeps them from
sticking, especially in carburetors. I have noticed that kneading the Chapstick
into the gaskets also makes them a little softer.

Might be worth a try.

[427Man]

What about Chapstick ?

I use Chapstick on nearly all gaskets. the paraffin wax keeps them from
sticking, especially in carburetors. I have noticed that kneading the Chapstick
into the gaskets also makes them a little softer.

Might be worth a try.

I've heard of that too. For some reason I remember it being said that cherry chapstick works best but I have no proof.

[Robby321]

Found this ..


Two Ways to bring back rubber flexibility, Plus one additional way that can be used if time does not permit.

First Process (Silicone)

1. Spray the rubber with silicone spray. This spray can be found at any camping supply store. Spray until the rubber is soaked. Place the rubber inside an airtight, plastic bag. Use large garbage bags for big pieces of rubber.

2. Keep the rubber in the plastic bag for three to seven days.

3. Lift the bagged piece of rubber and bend it to check for pliability. Once the desired suppleness is attained, you can remove it from the bag for use. You might need to repeat this process if the rubber hasn't softened to the extent you desire.


Second Process (Heat)

1. Heat some water in a stew pot on the stove. Heat it until boiling.

2. Set the stew pot in the sink and submerge the rubber in the water to soften it.

3. Grip the rubber with a pair of salad or canning tongs and remove it from the water. If you need to touch the rubber at this point, put on a pair of oven mitts or leather work gloves to handle it.

Tips & Warnings
Use extreme caution when handling the stew pot containing boiling water to avoid potential burn injury.



An Additional Way to Soften Rubber if Time Does Not Permit the First two ways.

People have been known to use WD40 to soften rubber, but this is really not the best way to do it.
If you decide to use WD40, try these steps here.

Instructions

1. Spray the old rubber with WD-40 or a comparable solution. If possible remove the rubber part from it's installation and allow it to soak in a small basin of the WD-40 or other product.

2. Allow the WD-40 or comparable product to penetrate the old rubber for at least 10 to 20 minutes.


3. Wipe the rubber part or area clean with a soft cloth until you can no longer see or smell the solution on it. The rubber will be noticeably softer and look newer.

Note: If you desire a more flexible and softer rubber, try repeating steps Number 2 & 3 above.