silicone on old o rings

[robert]

I have an o ring … not in the shape of an o (it’s rectangularish and weaves its way around three ports) It goes between the intake air controller IAC, and the idle/throttle control body on a 2001 Nissan maxima. No one seems to have the part or even show it on the books/computer.

Some suggested spraying the rubber piece (at least it looks like rubber, but not sure) with silicone spray, and then put it back in.

It’s still all in one piece… just a little older.

QUESTION: Is putting silicone spray or just silicone on a rubber or silicone ring advisable?

Some say don’t put silicone on silicone… other say silicone and rubber are fine…Never seen anything from a reliable / official source.

Thanks in advance for any informed response.

Topic

[Dylan]

If you’re talking about the throttle body gasket, I’m not sure what else you could be refering to…
http://www.rockauto.com/ just look up your vehicle, choose the engine, and go to Fuel/Air, then Throttle Body Gasket

[Austin]

^ agreed, Don’t mess around with the silicone. Replace the gasket, and it is a gasket not an o-ring. There a places on the engine that silicone is okay and places you try and avoid. Gobbing your throttle body with silicone isn’t a good idea.

[robert]

I’d love to simply buy the part. I’ve already purchased all other gaskets, but can’t find this one at any of the parts houses. As mentioned, no one seems to have the part or even show it on the books/computer.

Hence, I’m trying to find a good alternative, and wondering about silicone “spray” on the rubber gasket/o ring piece, to help revive it. However, I’m not sure silicone on a rubber-like gasket is a good idea.

[Lorrin Barth]

Silicone spray isn’t going to hurt or help it. Take a good look at the o-ring making sure it is round in cross section – no flat places and no cracks. If the o-ring looks healthy then reuse it if you can’t find a replacement.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I don’t recommend using silicone on a throttle body. It can ruin O2 sensors. That said, I wouldn’t put anything on it. ‘Let the gasket do the work’ as they say.

[Chris]

Pretty sure he’s talking about the gasket next to the part in the first two ads here http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=2001+nissan+maxima+idle&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=

TheFrank5, I’m guessing you think the one you have is bad? If you do why do you think it is bad? Age is not necessarily a factor if it is still pliable and full size. Otherwise you may have to contact one of these people on ebay and ask if they will sell you a gasket or refer you to the manufacturer.

[robert]

Thank you Eric and BarneyB.

I finally found a parts house that carried it. It will take four days to get here, sigh, but at least it’s coming.

And as described, the existing one is far more flat than round. So, good to find it.

Thanking you!

[Author]

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