Having worked on cars and pneumatic equipment for many years, I know how frustrating rubber hoses and tubing can be to install, especially after they lose some of the plastisizers that keep them pliable. Some common hose and tube installation "aids" have traditionally been

a) antifreeze
b) silicone grease
c) alcohol
d) water

However, all of these are less than ideal. Approximately 10 years ago, I discovered a product that temporarily lubricates the hose or tubing I.D. for installation, and then evaporates later on, leaving no sticky grease or other potentially (chemically) incompatible residue.

This product is inexpensive (less than $20 with shipping for a full quart)and is available in thin and more viscous formulas. Here's a picture of it:



P-80 by International Products Corporation. They have many different variaties including biodegradable ones. You can even use it on a tap when cutting/forming threads - GREAT stuff.

I was swapping out my Halltech intake filter setup for a Z06 box (to get my car through the upcoming smog test), when I ran into the dreaded pinching accordial coupler-to-the-throttle body. The lower part of the accordian hose always gets pinched and can be pain to install.... that is, if you don't have something like this stuff. Wipe it on the inside of the hose, push and twist.....viola, perfect install!

And that's my tip of the day.

Dave

PS: It is available on ebay or through other distributors. No garage should be without it.

 

Thanks! I'll try it.

 

I bet that works a lot better than spit.

 

A full quart will last a looooong time, so if you know someone (or a bunch of people) who can use it, they can chip in and pour some into vials or small plastic bottles. I also use it to tap in places where I don't want oily residues (which tend to surface after being heated).

 

I've always used spit or WINDEX...

 

Windex evaporates quickly and can dry out certain elastomers. The companies for whom I have worked used to use alcohol or window cleaners but ever since they tried the P-80, there was no turning back. One company buys it by the gallon. The best thing about it is that it allows you more time to assemble when compared to rapid-evap chemicals.

 

I like using silicone grease. Because when I go to remove that hose years later it still seems to be doing its job. I don't have to fight to get the hose off again.

 

Silicone does come in handy when connecting spark plug wires to spark plugs but I try not to use it elsewhere, as everything seems to stick to its residue. For example, when I use it on weatherstripping, all kinds of sand, lint, and other stuff attaches to it, especially if it is the grease (thick) version. Something like Armorall is a bit more friendly in that regard.

As you probably know, keep silicome away from painted surfaces. It is very difficult to remove, should you want to repaint.