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Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:10 am

I have some old WCM rubber I bought be in the late '80s. It was packaged in plastic and just bundled and tied. It has crusty stuff on it. It will scrape off with either a razor blade or brass bristle brush but is very time consuming to do this on hood and vent wing rubber. I've tried hot water and it feels soapy, but will not come off. The rubber is fine after the crusty stuff is removed. Any suggestions to remove this stuff? Is it peroxide bloom? I've never seen peroxide bloom be this crusty. I don't like to use Brazil rubber as it doesn't last very long but had a deck lid seal from around the same time as the above in it's original packaging and it still looks new after 20 years.

Thanks!

Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:37 am

Did you try sending your pics to WCM? They might have the "official" way to clean it or may replace it if it is defective.

Sun Nov 02, 2008 6:45 am

JinxedSydney wrote: Did you try sending your pics to WCM? They might have the "official" way to clean it or may replace it if it is defective.

No, but good suggestion. I didn't want to waste too much time with "NOS" 20 year old rubber.

I was media blasting some parts last night with glass and tried the rubber. It took the crusties off without damaging the rubber but is still too tedious.

Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:23 pm

Is it dried soap>?

Tue Nov 04, 2008 4:33 pm

2true wrote: Is it dried soap>?

I don't believe so. This stuff has formed on exposed surfaces. It does feel slick when wet, but will not rinse off.

Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:10 am

I always thought that stuff was a waxy release agent to keep the rubber from sticking in the fabrication mold/machinery.....I've never had a problem just flexing the rubber and wiping the stuff off. Any that remains is usually only a cosmetic distraction for a short time, until nature has its way with it.

Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:41 pm

No, not peroxide. (The cure system is likely sulfur based)

It is wax acting as an antozonant/antioxidant that blooms to the surface to protect the article. It is doing its job. As far as easy removal.....good luck.

Don't expect a long life out of the seals once put into use.

Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:23 pm

DownRiver wrote: No, not peroxide. (The cure system is likely sulfur based)

It is wax acting as an antozonant/antioxidant that blooms to the surface to protect the article. It is doing its job. As far as easy removal.....good luck.

Don't expect a long life out of the seals once put into use.

Thanks for the explanation! I'll trash these and buy new ones.