Brake Cleaner and rubber gaskets

[tcourse]

All the Brake cleaners I have seen caution against getting cleaner on rubber brake parts.

Is Brake cleaner safe to use to clean around other rubber items such as gaskets and boots?



Really need an answer to this as I have a oil leak I'm trying to find/repair.



Thanks

TC

 

[illflem]

I've never had a problem with boots but have had brake cleaner attack some plastics. I mainly use electronic cleaner for a aerosol solvent, haven't found any surface it damages including clear dash bezels. Big plus is it doesn't stink as bad as brake cleaner, costs a little more though.



After you clean the suspected leak area spray it down with aerosol athletes foot powder. After a short drive there will be a trail in the powder right to your leak.

 

[Bob Wagner]

Tery, I've heard bake cleaner attacks asphalt surfaces too.



PS I will return the brake

 

[tcourse]

illflem,

Thanks, brain fade, I should have thought about electronics cleaner. Will use it and the powder.



Bob,

No hurry on the brake.



Has anybody had any luck sealing up leaks at the tappet cover without removal of the fuel system. Such as locating, cleaning, and sealing with RTV?



Thanks again,

Terry

 

[Steve Campbell]

tcourse.....

I have had good luck in the past sealing oil leaks on the outside of the engine with "your method" as long as there is no more than crankcase pressure on the other side. Clean it off as good as possible with solvent/Diesel/gas (you choose) then hit it with a bit of Ether/brake clean/electronics cleaner (you choose) then "smear" on a good bead of silicone (It come is so many colors now that I usually can find one not too far off from the color of what I am patching. ) Hope that helps.

 

[tcourse]

Thanks Steve

It's worth a try, as the dealer wants over $600 to change the gasket. That tells me it's a job I'd like to avoid if possible.



Thanks again,

Terry

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Wheel Cylinders have rubber boots , Gromets , And seals.



CRC makes the only brake cleaner that I know of that uses LOW amounts of Tetrochlorocyclene which in high amounts can attack rubber to some extent.