Rubber Softening Experiment : Wintergreen Oil, Brake Fluid, ATF & More

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  • čas přidán 2. 05. 2017
  • Rubber parts may harden as they age from oxidation, oils dissolving in chemicals that parts are in contact with or evaportaion, and other reasons. That makes them tough to use or unable to function properly. I used a couple of old rubber scooter intake tubes to test some rubber softening techniques and see what worked and what didn't.
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    #RubberSoftening #Experiment #RubberResto
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Komentáře • 526

  • @jasonanderson6271
    @jasonanderson6271 Před 5 lety +165

    As someone currently finishing his PhD, I am amazed at your fantastic and well planned methodology. If every informational video was like this the world would be a smarter place. Thank you, and keep up the good work!

    • @49ccscoot
      @49ccscoot  Před 5 lety +6

      Thanks!

    • @Brian-jz1pi
      @Brian-jz1pi Před 2 měsíci

      I watch this video because of your comment

    • @applekidn1
      @applekidn1 Před 4 dny

      Getting a phd from your master doesn’t make you sound anymore intelligent you slave 🤣

  • @luismontes3769
    @luismontes3769 Před 5 lety +107

    This is how all internet supposed to be!
    Good and excellent job!!

  • @vandoren156
    @vandoren156 Před 2 lety +22

    Wintergreen oil (Methyl Salicylate) is an actual plasticizer, and used in many rubber formulations so it can renew properly many types of rubber. Other fluids like brake fluid etc instead contain oils that will degrade plain rubber (that is why there are particular oil resistant rubbers used in certain applications), the temporary softening is just due to the solvents in the fluids.
    Avoid boiling the rubber, the temperature is too high, for large parts just use glass beads to fill the voids when soaking and change position of the part every so often.

    • @jgteoh
      @jgteoh Před 2 lety +1

      Nice explaination

    • @jmc5341
      @jmc5341 Před 7 měsíci +2

      That glass bead trick is great. Im kinda embarrassed I've never thought of that before

  • @roum22
    @roum22 Před 3 lety +27

    Used the 3-1 mix on carburettor intake stubs. They swelled up slightly at first, but softened up nicely, about 10 days later they were back to their original size, and were ready for use.
    The softening effect lasted about nine months, then the returned to being rock hard.

  • @AlienRelics
    @AlienRelics Před 2 lety +4

    Back in the days of cassette decks and VCRs, I used ATF as a cheaper alternative to Rubber Renew. Wipe down every new belt or rubber roller, make sure you wipe it clean. Gets rid of the wax and dust from manufacture, gives the surface good grip without soaking into the body of the rubber.
    Much, much cheaper for a quart of ATF than for a tiny 4 ounce bottle of Rubber Renew.

  • @lindafoxwood78
    @lindafoxwood78 Před 4 lety +24

    Best example of perseverance I have even seen! This guy sure can get the job done with enthusiasm. Great video.

  • @analyticalmastermind2569
    @analyticalmastermind2569 Před 4 lety +3

    Thanks for taking the time to run these tests, this has helped me out. Good work.

  • @aneesahmed2978
    @aneesahmed2978 Před 5 lety +10

    This video deserves a million likes and views. Thanks for the Great Job.

  • @ejs6097
    @ejs6097 Před 7 lety +4

    Lol, this was perfect timing. I told you all my rubber pieces were bad on my kart. Great tips friend : )

  • @tabbydays226
    @tabbydays226 Před 3 lety +1

    one of the best videos i found on youtube so far..no words to thank!

  • @TechiePocket1
    @TechiePocket1 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for taking all the time to make this informative video!

  • @TheLargit
    @TheLargit Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you that's a good methodical approach, you have dispelled a few myths and shown which solutions work and don't!
    Many thanks JD

  • @josephk2958
    @josephk2958 Před 3 lety +1

    You did such a wonderfully thorough job on this vid! Thank you so much!

  • @FilterYT
    @FilterYT Před rokem +1

    That was a comprehensive comparison, well done, thanks.

  • @douglasjackson9058
    @douglasjackson9058 Před 4 lety +20

    Thanks for taking the time and doing this. I restore old typewriters. They have rubber platens,rollers,and feet. They are very difficult to find replacement. Expensive. I'm going to try this. Thus video could be invaluable to saving pieces of history. Thanks again,very appreciated!

    • @Rob8
      @Rob8 Před 3 lety +1

      Use a product called "rubber renue".

  • @KDM--xm9fh
    @KDM--xm9fh Před 5 lety +1

    Very very well done. Thank you for your thoughtful and methodical approach. Very helpful.

  • @jonathanfadden9299
    @jonathanfadden9299 Před 5 lety +4

    Fantastic video! Just subscribed. Nice methodology and narration.

  • @rogerborg
    @rogerborg Před 2 lety +2

    This is Project Farm levels of commitment. Well done, sir.

  • @Jaemon4Eva
    @Jaemon4Eva Před 4 lety +2

    This is an excellent video because it is so thorough and meticulous. Thank you for taking the time to put this together in such a detailed manor. You've helped more people than you think.

  • @AtmaS
    @AtmaS Před rokem +1

    Thanks for sharing your findings and recording the details of your experiment. Very informative.

  • @Mixerhd3
    @Mixerhd3 Před 7 lety +2

    thank you so much for this video !! it helped me a lot !❤️❤️ YOU ARE THE BEST MAN 😘✨

  • @baxrok2.
    @baxrok2. Před 6 lety +1

    Outstanding experiment. Thanks!

  • @StuntRidersSwiss
    @StuntRidersSwiss Před 6 lety +1

    Awesome detailed job ! Great explanation of the different process !

  • @nobodynoone2500
    @nobodynoone2500 Před rokem

    This is the best comparison I have seen. Everyone is mostly just recalling what grandpa did in 1950s nascar. Thank you!

  • @hlmartelli
    @hlmartelli Před 6 lety +1

    Great comparison!
    Thank you very much!

  • @michaelarnold417
    @michaelarnold417 Před 5 lety +2

    Outstanding video! Well done and thanks

  • @Geopolitic157
    @Geopolitic157 Před 5 lety +1

    Great experiment. Thanks for the information, and for taking the time to do and share.

  • @johncollins8304
    @johncollins8304 Před 4 lety +17

    I wish someone from the Nobel Prize committee was interested in rejuvenating rubber.

    • @Marcoosianism
      @Marcoosianism Před 3 lety +1

      The world just does NOT know what's important!!

  • @thehorizontalphilosopher
    @thehorizontalphilosopher Před 5 lety +2

    Excellent video presentation.and comments. Its great when people work together. Thank you

  • @allanmaureenmacintyre4474

    Informative and to the point. 10 out of 10

  • @julioperez-delgadojr2976
    @julioperez-delgadojr2976 Před 3 lety +2

    This experiment was amazing I have been able to restore and modify a lot of plastic or rubbery materials and its truly great information to have. Thank you so much.

  • @kristianribchev4039
    @kristianribchev4039 Před 5 lety +2

    Thank you for your experiment, I have learned something.

  • @obtainiumgaming4472
    @obtainiumgaming4472 Před rokem +5

    Excellent execution and scientific. This is the kind of content people look for. Useful, interesting and well edited. I want to rejuvenate some cassette deck idlers from 1982 that are impossible to find, and this may do it with the 3:1 alcohol wintergreen solution. Thank you.

  • @mwood1012
    @mwood1012 Před rokem +5

    Great work, intensive attention to detail with each test given fair & objective due diligence... and most importantly, a generous disclosure of very useful information for anyone who is invested in a project, facing similar issues with material in similar condition. Thanks so much for your service.

  • @2dmaxauto
    @2dmaxauto Před 5 lety +1

    Nice work, your experiment and information helped greatly with an issue I've got with my vehicle transmission :-)

  • @NKPGarage
    @NKPGarage Před rokem

    Great testing methodology. Love all of the detail. Subscribed!

  • @nancyg243
    @nancyg243 Před 7 lety +9

    Well run experiments! Am looking to soften small parts, so I'll use the 3:1 alcohol/wintergreen mix. Thanks.

  • @rkstew
    @rkstew Před 5 lety +2

    Damn! you are extremely thorough! Great video. thank you

  • @weediebloke
    @weediebloke Před 2 lety

    Well done mate.. so very nice of you to take the time in this experiment.. many thanks,I'm off to get some Wintergreen oil .

  • @MixedGoku
    @MixedGoku Před 4 lety +1

    Absolutely beautiful experiment thank you for your help

  • @tmack1
    @tmack1 Před 3 lety +4

    To control temp of the water & Winter Green tests, try using a double boiling method. That is a pot inside a pot. They use this method in cooking/heating candy. Outer pot is water only, inner pot is the solution. The water in outer pot more evenly distributes the heat.

  • @MrThp8251
    @MrThp8251 Před 6 lety +4

    This is a very well shot video with great experimental lab techniques. The voice over is straight forward and well descriptive. The conclusion made sense.
    He gets FIVE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @RidingOff
    @RidingOff Před 6 lety +1

    wow what a thorough test, thanks for your help

  • @wregils
    @wregils Před rokem

    I watched a windshield replacement on a vintage Jeep.
    Varsol which is a paint thinner was used . The old gasket was cleaned and reused.
    The appearance was amazing.
    I am not having success finding Varsol locally .
    I appreciate your presentation and wish every CZcams video had the same quality.

  • @KnightSwan
    @KnightSwan Před 3 lety

    Very well done. Excellent test procedure and A/V documentation. Nice job.

  • @xivix6710
    @xivix6710 Před 2 lety +1

    Your scientific method here is outstanding.

  • @bhotsnax
    @bhotsnax Před 6 lety +2

    Great video! Thanks!

  • @007mercucio
    @007mercucio Před 6 lety +1

    great classical experiment, thank you

  • @Daimler-Jensen
    @Daimler-Jensen Před 2 lety

    That is pretty scientific, well done and very informative!

  • @rvfrick2355
    @rvfrick2355 Před 7 lety +44

    Thanks for this! Your review is more credible and relevant than many of the others I have run across. Your experimental conditions are controlled and identical.
    I ran my own experiment last month with three solvents and wintergreen oil using a 3:1 ratio by weight. I am rebuilding a grey-market Honda RVF400. Parts are expensive and hard to come by in the US. Anyway, I have some old rubber parts to try my own experiment with. After reading many articles and postings online about the magic of methyl salIcylate were true and I wanted to see if the solvent used made a difference.
    The three solvents I compared were:
    1) Xylene (Renue Rubber product MSDS says this is the solvent they use).
    2) Denatured ethanol
    3) Acetone
    RESULTS
    After a 24 hour soak the acetone parts swelled the most by far 22%! Ethanol and xylene also swelled but "only" about 10%.
    No rubber was damaged just swollen.
    After 24 of drying out the Acetone part was most flexible.
    The Ethanol part a very close second (almost the same as acetone)
    The Xylene part was least flexible but definitely better than untreated.
    After 2 weeks of airing out they all essentially returned to the original and all the same size but are still flexible thought they are hardening. I do not (yet) have factory OEM parts to compare with.
    DISCUSSION
    If I wanted to use this technique to soften some rubber parts I would choose 100% denatured ethanol or acetone. Both are readily available.
    I believe the solvents help swell the rubber allowing the wintergreen oil to penetrate into the parts more easily.
    SUMMARY
    I agree with 990GTVert's recommendation: buy replacement parts if you can and reserve this method for hard to find or unavailable parts. This is simply a back-up technique if you have no other options.

    • @49ccscoot
      @49ccscoot  Před 7 lety +3

      Thanks for sharing the results of your tests!

    • @segitazautoszerelo
      @segitazautoszerelo Před 5 lety +4

      Very nice! So do you just soaked it, do not need to put in boiling water? And after a year, does it hardened?

  • @emo65170.
    @emo65170. Před 6 lety +1

    Great video. Good info to keep in mind. Thanks!

  • @larrywhitesell4139
    @larrywhitesell4139 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks so much. Very helpful!

  • @nadeemnabi7044
    @nadeemnabi7044 Před 5 lety +1

    A very good experimental review, thanks for sharing.

  • @deandeibler8363
    @deandeibler8363 Před 5 lety +13

    Excellent! Very nice job. You must have some experience in carrying out scientific experiments because of the way you handled this investigation. As someone who has been involved in such endeavors for several decades, I'd say you did a great job here.

  • @wayneschmidt490
    @wayneschmidt490 Před rokem

    Great video with outstanding scientific technique! Thank you very much!

  • @robsutherland9284
    @robsutherland9284 Před 7 lety +1

    that was a great comparison test, thanks for making things clear for all of us

    • @49ccscoot
      @49ccscoot  Před 7 lety +1

      Thanks. I'm glad if it's helpful.

  • @michaelrs8010
    @michaelrs8010 Před 6 lety +3

    GREAT video. Thanks for your time and effort and the info.

  • @drmarine1771
    @drmarine1771 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for your effort . well done.

  • @CheapCheerful
    @CheapCheerful Před 2 lety

    This is a quality video mate, super useful. Thank you, and subscribed.

  • @michaelknight2897
    @michaelknight2897 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you for you test. I found the information useful.

  • @kathys9999
    @kathys9999 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you! great information.

  • @yves3560
    @yves3560 Před 4 lety +2

    Great job !!! Usefull and interesting.

  • @whips_and_buckets
    @whips_and_buckets Před 2 lety

    Thanks for this work! Very helpful.

  • @air_cooled_andy
    @air_cooled_andy Před 20 dny

    Absolutely superb video. Thanks for taking the time to make it buddy. It’s take all the guesswork out of the multiple online opinions. 😄🙌

  • @PARDS2
    @PARDS2 Před rokem

    SUPERB!!! OUTSTANDING !!!! BEAUTIFUL JOB!

  • @randyb3347
    @randyb3347 Před 4 lety +3

    Excellent. I just went to utube to find out if smearing some brake fluid on the outside of my brake cylinder piston boots would help keep them pliable and make them last long. After see this I don't think I'll try it. Thanks.

  • @bazz6670
    @bazz6670 Před 4 lety +1

    Great information thanks.

  • @Pete4875
    @Pete4875 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for your effort.

  • @zacharygillette7810
    @zacharygillette7810 Před 23 dny

    Dude you have videos on everything! I was looking up tire softener and came across this.

  • @edgewatersbestguitarist1524
    @edgewatersbestguitarist1524 Před 7 měsíci

    Great video! Exactly the explanation i was looking for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

  • @gsx600racer
    @gsx600racer Před 7 lety +4

    Thanks for sharing.

  • @fredderpst459
    @fredderpst459 Před 5 lety +3

    very informative and interesting thank you. I am wondring about silicone spray

  • @rikityrik
    @rikityrik Před 6 měsíci

    I'm back, Lol. Man I enjoy your videos. This one was top notch, big thumbs up! I'd love to see more content of yours with tests like this. Not sure if you've made others but just to let you know you did a good job.👍

  • @kevin15776
    @kevin15776 Před 6 lety

    I have vintage sneakers whose rubber soles have hardened. I'm going to try this. Thanks for the video!

  • @ANDYMCNET
    @ANDYMCNET Před 6 lety +1

    Very useful real world review thanks. ❤️

  • @spenton1979
    @spenton1979 Před 6 měsíci

    Very well done. So thoughou in controlling the variables. Applying this to my Roland v drum pedal rubber notoriously known for hardening. Much appreciated.

  • @jeffbanfieldsflwr3537
    @jeffbanfieldsflwr3537 Před 5 lety

    Very nice video. Please continue to give us great videos!

  • @realestateinfonet9041
    @realestateinfonet9041 Před 2 lety

    Very informative! Thanks!

  • @cramersclassics
    @cramersclassics Před 5 měsíci

    Excellent Summary! Just subscribed, thanks.

  • @CrazyFunnyCats
    @CrazyFunnyCats Před 3 lety

    Great video thanks for the thorough testing ! 👍✨☕️✨

  • @marcussmith9444
    @marcussmith9444 Před 5 lety

    Am trying the 3:1 Rubbing alcohol/wintergreen oil this weekend for my hard-as-nails carburettor boots.Thanks for all your hard work

  • @LL-se1vj
    @LL-se1vj Před rokem

    Great test man!! 😎

  • @brucemorton13
    @brucemorton13 Před 6 lety

    Well done. Excellent use of the scientific method. I appreciate the information.

  • @luxzartheglorious
    @luxzartheglorious Před 3 lety

    Thank you I'm looking to preserve some old gas masks I recently bought and this is very help ful

  • @philwarner6604
    @philwarner6604 Před 5 lety +4

    I found your video while researching ways to soften the hard rubber seals on my collection of Sunbeam C30 Coffeemaster vacuum coffee pots, but I also have a collection of old cars and bikes so I ordered 32 Oz of wintergreen oil from Big Dee's vet supplies for 12.95/16Oz + $6.50 shipping (which was the best price I saw in a short search). Thanks for your well thought out approach. The wintergreen oil cost about the same as one new seal for these coffeemakers, so I hope it works for several of them. If not, I'll have it on the shelf for my rubber car part needs. Thanks again

    • @Marcoosianism
      @Marcoosianism Před 3 lety

      Big Dee's wanted to charge me $60 shipping to Canada for 16oz., haha. They can eat it.

  • @markbaxter8799
    @markbaxter8799 Před 6 lety +2

    Thanks for sharing - very good detailed experiment, will give it a go on my window rubbers.

    • @Rustin-wy6yf
      @Rustin-wy6yf Před 3 lety

      How did it go? Mine swelled up after an hour of leaving them in a 3:1 mix of alcohol + wintergreen oil rendering them useless.

  • @bigal7561
    @bigal7561 Před rokem

    Well done. I'm going to try this on the rubber intake manifolds on my 1975 Honda CB 360t. I've restored it from the ground up and everything is perfect. I've beat myself to death on these two parts. They have zero cracks and look factory grade but hard as heck. I hate the though of ordering new ones when these look great but air leaks on an old honda will drive you crazy (and after this full restore....it's a short drive).Thanks

  • @groovjam
    @groovjam Před 4 měsíci

    Very well done!, thank you.

  • @olivier3847
    @olivier3847 Před 6 lety +1

    good video ... thanks

  • @gurcsik
    @gurcsik Před 3 lety

    This is awesome. Probably saving thousands of dollars for people combined!

  • @billarroo1
    @billarroo1 Před 3 lety

    Always wanted to know what to soften rubber with, VERY Interesting, Thanks

  • @utube321piotr
    @utube321piotr Před 4 měsíci

    Thank you for this video. Well experimented.

  • @TheToycloser
    @TheToycloser Před 6 lety +1

    GREAT INFO!

  • @d2ddad
    @d2ddad Před rokem

    Very useful information, thanks!

  • @zap3642
    @zap3642 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video! Thanks a lot it may the day come i will try it out :-)

  • @alvaroochoa6739
    @alvaroochoa6739 Před 7 lety +1

    nice video!!
    I like the way you did it!
    like really making sure about the results. . .

  • @anomie6788
    @anomie6788 Před 3 lety

    I like the fact you didn't quit , well been two days I wonder what a week will do, still not the result you were looking for so lets add some heat. Very well done. I have expensive rubber boots, the rubber is starting to crack , looking for a way to soften the rubber back up. I don't think this will help but it was fun to watch. I think I will try the heat and the wintergreen oil, with controlled heat.

  • @mikailsameerraifmikailsame9436

    Wow you really took the time and effort to go through so many methods and i truly appreciate what you did. Your Awesomeeeeeeeee in my books brother!!

    • @49ccscoot
      @49ccscoot  Před 6 lety +3

      Thanks!

    • @randalmontgomery4595
      @randalmontgomery4595 Před 3 měsíci

      My mother often used a "double boiler" in the 1950-70 era, for cooking, now I understand the concept.

  • @Swallabat
    @Swallabat Před 2 lety

    Very good work, well done.

  • @alcatelevolve2859
    @alcatelevolve2859 Před 6 lety +7

    Very well put together video. I found this useful to add to my own experience.