Portlights stuck to rubber gasket - how to lubricate?

[CaptTom]

We have two new(ish) portlights which, since they were first installed, won't open easily. The plastic "window" portion sticks to the rubber gasket. Sometimes it takes a tool like a screwdriver to pry the plastic apart from the rubber.

I assume there's some sort of lubricant I can put on the rubber, but I'm concerned that an oil-based product would cause deterioration. I thought about using white lithium grease, but I'm wondering if anyone has a better idea.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

We have two new(ish) portlights which, since they were first installed, won't open easily. The plastic "window" portion sticks to the rubber gasket. Sometimes it takes a tool like a screwdriver to pry the plastic apart from the rubber.

I assume there's some sort of lubricant I can put on the rubber, but I'm concerned that an oil-based product would cause deterioration. I thought about using white lithium grease, but I'm wondering if anyone has a better idea.

I recommend washing and drying first, then talcum powder.

[slug]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

We have two new(ish) portlights which, since they were first installed, won't open easily. The plastic "window" portion sticks to the rubber gasket. Sometimes it takes a tool like a screwdriver to pry the plastic apart from the rubber.

I assume there's some sort of lubricant I can put on the rubber, but I'm concerned that an oil-based product would cause deterioration. I thought about using white lithium grease, but I'm wondering if anyone has a better idea.

Silicone spray

[Maine Sail]

303 Aerospace Protectant. Our port gaskets are like new and never stick. I just wipe a bit on every time I open the ports and it takes less than 60 seconds to do all eight....

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by slug

Silicone spray

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

303 Aerospace Protectant.

Hmmm. I have both aboard. Looks like maybe time for a little comparison testing.

Thanks!!

[ozsailer]

As part of our general maintenance routine I use Lanolin Grease. Natural product that I use to rub into all rubbers seals. We had issues on our old boat, a lagoon 410 where every hatch was leaking. An old maintenance guy told me about lanolin grease which when rubbed into ther rubber tends to rejuvenate rubber and make it more supple. After the applciation on the old boat we got rid of over 90% of the leaks, after a second application a month later we had no more issues. Following that we rub the grease in once every six months. Easy job and it takes little time to do the job. Just make sure you clean the area with warm soapy water and apply when dry. I now use the Lanolin grease on our new 440 just to keep the rubber supple.


Greg H
Lagoon 440
Oz

[Jammer]

Talc. You can get unscented talc for tires from auto parts places, or Grainger, or Aircraft Spruce, or any number of other places. It's used to keep inner tubes from sticking to tires.


I have used silicone and it doesn't work as well or last as long, and it contaminates surrounding surfaces, complicating future adhesion of caulk, epoxy, paint, etc.

[CaptTom]

Update: I must have brought the silicone spray home. Applied 303 Protectant.

Will report back in a couple of days when I have the results.

Interesting concept about talc. Makes sense, but does it turn to paste with moisture? I also like the lanolin idea, but I don't have any of that handy.

Thanks!

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

Interesting concept about talc. Makes sense, but does it turn to paste with moisture? I also like the lanolin idea, but I don't have any of that handy.

It was my experience that it didn't take much talc, it lasted at least 10 years, and it did not form any sort of paste or anything. YMMV.

[dennismenace111]

Originally Posted by slug

Silicone spray

Or silicone grease available at pool supply stores!

[moseriw]

WD 40

[Scubaseas]

X2 on silicone grease

[robert sailor]

X3 on silicon grease

[Tugwit]

x2 on 303 protectant

[Rough Magic]

X4 silicone grease.