Best way to 'soften' drying carb holders???

[XXWoodmanXX]

....BESIDES replacing them all-together? I heard rumors of ppl soaking them in ATF (Auto. Tranny Fluid) to soften the rubber up a bit.

Any other idears? Thx!

[Kreylyn]

....BESIDES replacing them all-together? I heard rumors of ppl soaking them in ATF (Auto. Tranny Fluid) to soften the rubber up a bit.

Any other idears? Thx!

I've tried soaking them in multitude of oils and such. Imersed and in vacuum sealed packs loaded with oils, with heat and without...

None of that worked to make any difference more than just spraying the damn things with what ever oil your "trying" and immediately going on with working with them. 30 seconds, or 30 days... they were just a little more slippery but not any softer.

Krey

[XXWoodmanXX]

Ah, gotcha. I was even tempted to use som good ol' ArmorAll. I recall back in my early detailing days, ppl protested using it on tires, stating it softens the rubber with time, causing the sidewalls to prematurely bulge and ripple, even under normal inflation recommendations, saying it softens it too much.

Might even try some Fluid Film around the time I go to install them.

Ah well, thanks anyways

[Jman2343]

....BESIDES replacing them all-together? I heard rumors of ppl soaking them in ATF (Auto. Tranny Fluid) to soften the rubber up a bit.

Any other idears? Thx!

Tranny stop leak is what they used to use to soften drive belts... but never tired it on anything myself.

[Wild-Bill]

Heat. Just plain old warm air from a hair dryer or heat gun.
I also lube them up with some ArmorAll or silicone spray before installing the carbs. Makes them pop right in.

I have heard that Wintergreen oil from the drugstore works but I've never tried it.

[XXWoodmanXX]

Well, looks like just using some hot water and Simple Green to bust up the grime on it, and bringing them back up to room temp worked out just fine.

Guess they weren't dryrotted, just cold and covered with grime. heh!