Silicon

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:16 am

I hate to start this debate again but I was reading my Popular Mechanics today as I was suffering through my Sawdust session cancellation withdrawals and in the Jan issue (yes I'm behind in my reading) there was an article on head gaskets. In the article it cautioned against using silicon in or around the engine as silicon release silicates that eventually get into and ruin oxygen sensors. They made the point to include silicon sprays and lubricants in the warning. I have never had to replace a oxygen sensor but I know my daughter who thinks silicone is the greatest thing since sliced bread has. Perhaps I now know the reason?????

So all you silicon supportters out there that use silicon in and around your car and have had oxygen sensor problems this might be the cause.

To me this is just one more reason not to use silicone.
Ed

mranum · Post by **mranum** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:07 pm

I don't know about these days but FelPro and a few other gasket manufacturers used to make head gaskets coated with a silicon gasket sealer. As the engine heated up initially thats when the sealer would release and go to work. I used them before and they worked great and they needed no re-torqueing.

I suppose things could have changed over the years.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:40 pm

I've used lots of silicon around the car - no problems with oxygen sensor.

eldyfig · Post by **eldyfig** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 5:06 pm

Fortunately, there aren't any O2 sensors on the shopsmith.

Could use a "you didn't measure that enough times" sensor. But that is a different subject.

Tony