Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Have you done so much to the car today that it just doesn't fit into one section, or are you too damn lazy to split it all up? Either way, this is the section for you.

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Briano1234
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Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by Briano1234 »

How many times have you bought a tube of RTV to use it, then cap it and leave it in a drawer for 2 weeks to 2 months before you need it again.. The pain, The heartache, when you uncap it again to find a Plug has formed…. You have to dig it out, puncture it again or poke a hole in the bottom of the tube to use it out the butt of the tube.

Room Temperature Vulcanization (RTV) Has to Air Cure....

Well I decided to try an experiment.

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I needed about 2 squirts out of my new tube.
When I got finished I pushed the remaining air out of the tube. (KEY)

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Taking a 2X2 Piece of tin foil I placed that square over the tube end and Pushed it around to form a better seal.

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Screw the cap on over the foil and tighten it (do not break the cap.
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Then fold the rest of the foil over the cap.
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I had used this tube about 3 week ago when I decided to try this.
When I took the cap off, the foil was cut into a Circular seal over the tube and the RTV was still Fresh and came out of the tube like it was freshly opened.

Yes I had to "puncture" or dig the new seal out, but not waisting any was a wondrous thing….
Briano

Yes as matter of fact, I have the Luck o'the Irish...everything I touch turns to fertilizer of the bovine variety.
You can lead a user to a link, but you can't make him Click.... :screwy:
karmannut
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Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by karmannut »

Great info thanks! definitely will try this
CalAltaDubber
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Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by CalAltaDubber »

Cool idea Brian. Thanx
Phil

'87 Cabriolet, "Topless Bunny"
'88 Cabriolet, "Posh Bunny"
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Briano1234
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Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by Briano1234 »

Update.

Yesterday after a month of sitting in a drawer, I took the tube out to re-use, and after removing the improvised seal, the tip of the tube was still fresh, no plugging at all.

I also tried this on a caulking gun tube of GE Silicone II 3/4 gone as it too had a cap, but not screw on type. I took off the pressure of the gun, placed the foil cap over the end of the still slightly oozing tube, then placed the over cap on, and sealed the over cap with Aluminum Foil Duct tape. Used it again after 3 weeks and it too was fresh out of the tube.

Seems to work well.
Briano

Yes as matter of fact, I have the Luck o'the Irish...everything I touch turns to fertilizer of the bovine variety.
You can lead a user to a link, but you can't make him Click.... :screwy:
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Briano1234
Whats that smell?
Posts: 4105
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:45 am
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Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by Briano1234 »

Update...

I had to open it again today
Image

Image

Still fresh as a daisy..... I think this is a keeper....
Briano

Yes as matter of fact, I have the Luck o'the Irish...everything I touch turns to fertilizer of the bovine variety.
You can lead a user to a link, but you can't make him Click.... :screwy:
84Vert
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Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by 84Vert »

Great stuff Brian. I have a tube of convertible top repair stuff and it said to keet it in the freezer. it is small so the wife does not notice, a tube of RTV or caulk she would notice:)
84 Rabbit Convertible
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Briano1234
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Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by Briano1234 »

As side note, I had to use it and forgot to Foil Cap it, so 3 days later I remembered, and I took the cap off and a plug had started to form. I dug it out, then used it, and foil capped it.... So it does work
Briano

Yes as matter of fact, I have the Luck o'the Irish...everything I touch turns to fertilizer of the bovine variety.
You can lead a user to a link, but you can't make him Click.... :screwy:
User avatar
Briano1234
Whats that smell?
Posts: 4105
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:45 am
What year is your cabby?: 1992
Do you own a Cabriolet?: No
Location: Duluth, Ga
Contact:

Re: Got those RTV Hardened Tube Blues....

Post by Briano1234 »

84Vert wrote:Great stuff Brian. I have a tube of convertible top repair stuff and it said to keet it in the freezer. it is small so the wife does not notice, a tube of RTV or caulk she would notice:)
My wife used to bitch when I wold wrap Paint brushes and place in the freezer over night I hate cleaning brushes and crap for a next day job.

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Briano

Yes as matter of fact, I have the Luck o'the Irish...everything I touch turns to fertilizer of the bovine variety.
You can lead a user to a link, but you can't make him Click.... :screwy:
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