When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
When detaching the airboxes from the rubber hoses on the T piece (that goes into the intake manifold) - the one with the metal strap to hold the airbox, on both sides there was some lubricant inside. Is this normal silicon grease?
Also, the T piece itself, when detached from the manifold (see pic below), the border of the plastic/rubber part on the bottom has some residu on it (as well as the metal where it slides over) that seems more or less dried out. Is this also some kind of lubricant or seal?
Asking because I removed these parts and though I could re-apply whatever was on it before reinstalling it !
Last edited by JohnMerc63; Dec 4, 2025 at 05:43 PM.
2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
I was told by a supplier/tester/cleaner of fuel injectors to use a mild solution of dish soap and water when reinstalling them. I am sure this solution will work on all O-rings and rubber seals when reinstalling them on the engine or elsewhere. The water will evaporate harmlessly over time especially when heated.
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Originally Posted by Mort
I was told by a supplier/tester/cleaner of fuel injectors to use a mild solution of dish soap and water when reinstalling them. I am sure this solution will work on all O-rings and rubber seals when reinstalling them on the engine or elsewhere. The water will evaporate harmlessly over time especially when heated.
Yeah, before one could get silicone grease or other "super lube" products, dish soap was a common go to when installing rubber seals
Yeah, before one could get silicone grease or other "super lube" products, dish soap was a common go to when installing rubber seals
yes, this is definitely a way to do it but the negative here is that when the dish soap solution dries it becomes a very sticky seal that makes it hard to remove the hose. The double duty of using something like dielectric or silicone grease is that you have easy removal of the hoses and o rings as well. When using the lubricant, you’ll never get into a situation where you have to use a pic or any tools to remove hoses..
another option is 'Ballistol' which is a lubricant safe on rubber & plastics. I've also heard vaseline is ok which is what Tasos uses with rubber components.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
