SIilicone and rubber

[ktown]

While I was installing my new Powerlets and Fuze Panel I noticed this. https://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff406/geezer1970/FJR_motorcycling/?action=view&current=20110321_NEWNAME_046.jpg

Has anyone else experienced hose decay due to silicone fluids. I used to preserve these caps doing the throttle body syncing a

few years ago. I have seen this before on my other vehicles and came to the conclusion a while back but have not seen this part of the bike in a

while. My conclusion NOW is to find another chemical for any vehicle(s)

Suggestions?

 

[SLK50]

I'm curious, maybe my comprehension is poor, but how is the hose decay attributed to silicone fluids and not ozone, heat, age, solvents, ethanol, et al?

 

[Checkswrecks]

I'm curious, maybe my comprehension is poor, but how is the hose decay attributed to silicone fluids and not ozone, heat, age, solvents, ethanol, et al?

+1

That's a pretty hostile environment for those rubber caps and your bike's 5 years old.

 

[LAF]

While I was installing my new Powerlets and Fuze Panel I noticed this. https://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff406/geezer1970/FJR_motorcycling/?action=view&current=20110321_NEWNAME_046.jpg

Has anyone else experienced hose decay due to silicone fluids. I used to preserve these caps doing the throttle body syncing a

few years ago. I have seen this before on my other vehicles and came to the conclusion a while back but have not seen this part of the bike in a

while. My conclusion NOW is to find another chemical for any vehicle(s)

Suggestions?

Here is what I use. 303 Products

On all rubber including sidewalls of tires, all hoses including brake lines. Armor All or silicone products are junk for UV and Ozone break down on rubber. The stuff works. I use the Fabric Protection on my riding gear after I give it it's yearly bath. It waterproofs it well and protects it from UV, and dirt.

No stock in the product just a happy user for the last 10 years.

 

[ktown]

I realize this is a 5 year bike with 20K on the replacement cluster but if you notice there are hoses close to these caps and show no sign of degregation. I put the silicone on these when I did the body syncs and never looked at them till now. I have seen deterioration on sway bar bushings and other suspension parts over the years on the cages I have. I average 20 year life on my vehicles and saw this to some extent over the years.

A engineer from work is looking into this as a unrelated issue and was telling him about it.So the fat lady or guy is still singing!

I also have used the product 303 and have not had good results on fabric 'EZ UP' high end pop up shelter.

I was hoping for input but that's what I get for being a FNG- some input was appreciated though!

 

[edjo69]

I realize this is a 5 year bike with 20K on the replacement cluster but if you notice there are hoses close to these caps and show no sign of degregation. I put the silicone on these when I did the body syncs and never looked at them till now. I have seen deterioration on sway bar bushings and other suspension parts over the years on the cages I have. I average 20 year life on my vehicles and saw this to some extent over the years.

A engineer from work is looking into this as a unrelated issue and was telling him about it.So the fat lady or guy is still singing!

I also have used the product 303 and have not had good results on fabric 'EZ UP' high end pop up shelter.

I was hoping for input but that's what I get for being a FNG- some input was appreciated though!

I replaced mine with silicone caps I got from Macmaster Carr. they are still fine 3 years later, I also use them for brake bleed nipple capss on my truck and they hold up fine there as well.

 

[Denver_FJR]

I added a short section of vacuum line to the throttle body nipples for easier access, then topped the hoses with the those caps you get at the auto parts store, like "Help" brand plugs. A year later, went to resync and noticed the caps were splitting like your pics, severe rubber deterioration or something. I attributed it to cheap rubber that couldn't stand the heat on top the engine. Never thought to treat them with silicon spray or like, but don't think it would have mattered.

 

[Checkswrecks]

...

I was hoping for input but that's what I get for being a FNG- some input was appreciated though!

Nothing negative toward you or your post, we wuz just pointing out the obvious. As for the difference to the hoses, I see similar looking materials age differently in aircraft and cars frequently.

In the end, I'd just change the rotten rubber and put in another 5 happy years.

 

[Fred W]

It's quite possible that the vacuum lines and caps are made from different materials. I seem to recall that most vacuum line material is actually neoprene. It may be the caps are actually made from rubber. Which would explain why they degrade faster in the harsh engine top environment.

I do not think that the silicone would have had a negative effect on either material. It is actually called for it as a neoprene and rubber "conditioner and protectant" by Yamaha: Clicky

 

[ktown]

https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4724369-Anyone-apply-silicone-spray-lubricant-to-rubber-seals-of-Tiguan

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1848902

Here is some additional stuff I have got if anyone so desires.I know it's not 2 wheel related but relevant.