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Topic: Warning about silicone spray (eg)!! (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Warning about silicone spray (eg)!!
Yahoo Message Number: 97097
This is off-topic, yet relevant to most of us LD owners who carry around that useful can of silicone spray for the odd squeak, etc.
However, this warning will apply to ALL products we buy and use as lubricants, glues, etc.

Silicone lubricant has always for me been the safe, easy-to-use fall-back or first-line lubricant for most applications. One main reason is 'plastic-safe'. This cannot be assumed, however, so always read the fine print on the label. I was recently disassembling the video board of my home computer to clean and lube a couple of noisy small fans, and I sprayed silicone into a small plastic 'Tang' dish of the type I collect to use as mixing trays for epoxies. I judiciously applied a small amount of the liquid to the rear bearing/retainer area of the fans, since most of the fan body is plastic, precluding the use of most oils. When cleaning up, I discovered the bottom of the Tang dish was soft, and had melted through and leaked the silicone.
 This was not the moment to read the label on the can, but when I did, in small print, it said 'do not use on automotive interior plastics'.
The ingredient list clearly listed acetone, which is an excellent solvent for many types of plastics. Note that not all such products may contain dangerous ingredients, but reading the label is imperative to avoid disasters. My expensive video board fans seem to be working fine now, but time will tell...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit