Fact or Myth - Conflicting Info- Rubber Care and Silicon

[Nic Walker]

I was really getting interested in this thread...especially about the Gummi Pfledge and the Di electric grease........and then became confused . I have some of the Gummi Pfledge and it sure makes the weatherstripping look Great/New, but in the thread no one finished or came to a conclusion on its worth/value.....and also no comparrison with di electric grease was reached.

Questions please:

Does the Gummi contain any petro ingreediants rendering it harmful to weatherstripping?

Is di electric grease better (protection wise) than the Gummi? Which is more appropriate for protection and looks please?

If the di electric is better thant the Gummi, is any particular make (manufacturer) other than the Honda Stuff better than others. I have a giant tube of the stuff that I bought from Auto Zone or Advance but it is just some off the wall di electric grease....is this appropriate for use on weatherstrips?

I am just a novice and I hope my questions are not out of line....

Thanks,

Nic



Opps - forgot....303 is only mentioned briefly and not discussed. Is the properties of 303 not desirable? Would it enhance longevity of the weatherstripping to use 303 1st as a base for added protection and then one of the others on top for enhanced protection and looks?

thanks

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by Nic Walker

I was really getting interested in this thread...especially about the Gummi Pfledge and the Di electric grease........and then became confused

The Gummi Pfledge seems unique to me, I don't take it out of the bottle as Accumulator seemed to imply he does (in another thread), but it seems to be a clear liquid and it creates an amazing transformation on weatherstripping (when I say weatherstripping, I'm referring to the seals around doors that you can't see when the door is closed, and to a lesser extent sunroof seals, which you can). The grease is an old-school (and apparently still used) remedy for the same thing, sticking and squeaking of door seals. The technique was to rub it in, then wipe it dry with a rag.

[BigJimZ28]

Originally Posted by RTexasF

Here's what Honda uses for rubber weatherstripping and to stop squeaks. It's expensive but amazingly effective in my usage of it.

save yourself some $ & buy dielectric grease

have use it and spray Silicon lube for years per old GM info
(it is still recommended @ the dealer last time I checked)


food for thought ....I have a 81 Z-28 Camaro that has been outside 24-7 for the 10+ years I have owned it and treating the top-top seals and door seals with dielectric grease & spray Silicon lube
and THEY STILL DO NOT LEAK! if you know anything about these cars that is a feat

also the seals on the conv top of my 97 z-28 camaro are in great shape for 11 years old and spending as much time as possible @ the shore

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by BigJimZ28

have use it and spray Silicon lube for years per old GM info
(it is still recommended @ the dealer last time I checked)

Is that where I heard it from? It sucks to get old..

[BigJimZ28]

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Is that where I heard it from?

could be

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

It sucks to get old..

as far as I know the only choice is to die young ...... now that would suck

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by BigJimZ28

as far as I know the only choice is to die young ...

Hey man, die young, stay pretty! Too bad I already missed my chance

[wannafbody]

When it comes to tires I'd suggest calling the manufacturer and ask them. Michelin used to advise against using silicone based tire dressings but that was several years ago.

[Accumulator]

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

..die young, stay pretty...

Been listening to Blondie lately?

[akimel]

With regard to "rubber" seals, which apparently are made out of a synethetic rubbered called EPDM, the 303 Protectant website asserts the following:

Maybe not a surprise, but no longer are a car's rubber seals made from `rubber'. To keep the inside of your car quiet and dry, car makers use a specialized synthetic material called EPDM, (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Real rubber, or blends containing real rubber, just cannot endure the direct exposure to sunlight(ultraviolet light) and the harmful-to-rubber oxidizing gases in our atmosphere. To quote from the engineering specs, EPDM is "Ideal for outdoor applications because of its excellent resistance to ultraviolet light, ozone, oxidants, and severe weather conditions". EPDM is great stuff, but it has some downsides. It's tear resistance is only fair, so sticking & tearing is not uncommon. And just like real rubber, it has extremely poor resistance to solvents(petroleum distillates) and oils. "You mean I don't have to `protect' my car's door & trunk seals?" That's right, and treating your seals with a leading-brand "protectant" is almost always exactly the WRONG thing to do to your seals. Any chemical product that contains oils or petroleum distillates is incompatible with EPDM. TIP: NEVER apply any rubber or vinyl treatment that has an oily or greasy nature or contains petroleum distillates. READ THE LABEL! If a product contains petroleum distillates, do not apply it to your rubber seals. Though its powerful UV screening benefit is not needed in this application, 303 Protectant is great for cleaning EPDM seals and to keep them clean. 303 Protectant makes EPDM seals look like new and PREVENTS sticking and tearing. Because it is safe for EPDM and prevents sticking & tearing, manufacturers exclusively recommend 303 Protectant for this application.

I note that Honda prescribes the use of Shin Etsu Silicone Grease for the maintenance of rubber weather stripping. This siicone grease does not contain petroleum distillates. I understand that Shin Etsu works great on all cars, not just Honda.

[Accumulator]

If a product contains petroleum distillates, do not apply it to your rubber seals...

But I've been putting Souveran on the Jag's exterior rubber for maybe 20 years and it's still just like new

[silk]

Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-up Grease, 3 oz Tube

bought it for $5.99 today at AZ.. works/looks great on rubber trim on the outside of car. Supposed to rain here tomorrow, will see how it holds up, since it is waterproof.




the small tube is .33 oz for $3.29, you get the 3 oz for 2 more dollars....

[silk]

has held up great since applying, 1 rain, 1 wash in. When applying there was no black on the applicator, (used fingers at first, foam pad applicator is much better.)
No discoloration, or water spots on the trim after the rain. Probably will use this process several times a year, then maintain with a water-based dressing.

I Over-applied the product. Best to just work a thin coat in with the foam pad.