The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 02-26-2017, 10:07 PM

I came across this solution a couple years ago on a motorcycle site, when a guy needed to soften the rubber coupling on his carb.

I needed to soften the rubber plunger for the pump on my old Crossman BB gun.

Mix 1 part Wintergreen Oil to 3 parts rubbing alcohol and let it set in a closed container. I let my plunger set for at least a few weeks, and now it's soft as a new part.

I'd guess this would work for hard original Model A hoses, and maybe belts, seals and O-rings.

The local health store sells 10ml of the wintergreen oil for $30, but I bought mine on ebay for $1.69 with free delivery.

02-26-2017, 10:07 PM	#1
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	How to Soften Old Hard Rubber Parts I came across this solution a couple years ago on a motorcycle site, when a guy needed to soften the rubber coupling on his carb. I needed to soften the rubber plunger for the pump on my old Crossman BB gun. Mix 1 part Wintergreen Oil to 3 parts rubbing alcohol and let it set in a closed container. I let my plunger set for at least a few weeks, and now it's soft as a new part. I'd guess this would work for hard original Model A hoses, and maybe belts, seals and O-rings. The local health store sells 10ml of the wintergreen oil for $30, but I bought mine on ebay for $1.69 with free delivery.