[Tigers] Crossed wires - Part II

[Smit, Theo]

I used gray Permatex gasket forming sealant on the marker lights. I
don't think it is acid based. Other silicones that I've used release
acetic acid as they cure, but I've never noticed any serious corrosion
on metal parts that I've applied it to.

Theo


________________________________

	From: Randy Smith [mailto:RSSmithIQ at cs.com]
	Sent: November 3, 2009 10:17 AM
	To: tigers at autox.team.net
	Cc: Smit, Theo
	Subject: Re: [Tigers] Crossed wires - Part II


	Some of you guys probably know much more about this than I do,
but Theo mentioning using silicone sealant reminded me about this.  Some
RTV silicone sealants can be quite acidic.  I used some to seal a
plastic cover to the aluminum case on my motorcycle and it had a nasty
corrosive reaction with the aluminum in a relatively short period of
time.  When I inquired, a very knowledgeable motorcycle mechanic
explained that many RTV Silicone products are very acidic.  That is why
the rear windows fell out (rusted out) of many of the early 80's Chevys,
since they were an early application of the use of silicone as a
sealant.  I believe the acid may be used as a catalyst for curing the
RTV or something.  I also believe that there are silicone sealants out
there that have a more neutral PH.  Anyone know more about this?  I've
been trying to avoid RTV around any of my car body parts because of my
previous bad experience.

	-Randy



	Randy Smith
	INNER QUEST, Inc.
	34752 Charles Town Pike
	Purcellville, VA  20132
	703-478-1078
	540-668-6699
	540-668-6253 fax

	InnerQuestOnline.com <http://www.innerquestonline.com/>
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