If the bulb is Natural rubber and not a synthetic it will swell
significantly. My guess is that it is Natural rubber as that's the least
expensive to compound. Natural Rubber is really good for vibration dampening
and frequently used in engine and transmission mounts but when it gets oil
soaked it looses its advantage. Have you seen how bad the Transmission
mounts get once oil soaked. A rubber compounded for oil resistance would not
be affected at all.
For an extreme example of what happens put a bellows from an OD solenoid in
gasoline for a few days and see how large it swells. I had a friend do that
once, he thought it would help clean off the grease, it did.
JVV
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randall" <tr3driver@ca.rr.com>
To: "'list Triumph'" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:27 AM
Subject: Re: [TR] rubber restorative?
>> As the rubber bulb (meant for squeezing) works, but needs
>> some TLC. Could soaking(the bulb only) in barely-used 10w30
>> motor oil, possibly be restorative?
>
> It depends on exactly which "rubber" the bulb is made of; but in general I
> think motor oil is more likely to degrade it than help preserve it. I
> would
> be more inclined to try "silicone spray", which should be readily
> available
> at Wal-Mart or any auto parts store. Apply a light coat, then wait for it
> to soak in, and apply another coat. Repeat as necessary.
>
> Of course, this will not remove any existing damage, but it should help
> soften and rejuvenate the rubber that is still in good shape.
>
> Randall
> _______________________________________________
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