Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm working on my vacuum system for the headlights and wipers on my 69 L 46 restoration. Some of the small control vacuum lines under the dash for both systems plus the heating controls have small leaks at their connection points. I'm looking to seal those up. Whats a good sealant to put on the end of the hose prior to assembly to assure no leaks? Silicone? or something else? Thanks for your assistance.

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

If they are quality hoses, no sealant should be necessary.

Where did they come from?

[Michael L.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

You still have your original hoses?

I’m guessing that your choice of replacements is the issue.

[Larry M.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

DR REBUILD hoses fit snugly without any help. But I believe he offers end clamps that can be used to secure the ends better. I know my friend bought the hoses from the DR, and I also believe he bought the end clamps from him as well. The end clamps are not needed, but friend want 110% guarantee. So we used both.

Larry

[Frank D.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

Doc Rebuild has closed up shop temporarily and "may reopen in August" [quote from his web site]...so that's not an immediate solution.

[Bill M.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

I would not use sealant as it can/will be sucked back to the source of vacuum and cause more problems.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

Doc Rebuild has closed up shop temporarily and "may reopen in August" [quote from his web site]...so that's not an immediate solution.

That's why I asked if he still had the originals.
Believe it or not, many times they are still reusable.

[Frank D.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

I do believe it, I'm running original radiator hoses on my 63 that I got from him...
The original rubber components were better compounds than today's repro stuff IMO..

In many, many years of working on all makes of cars I've never used sealant on vacuum lines and don't recommend it....
If original hoses aren't available I find it hard to believe a trip to a NAPA store wouldn't get serviceable, well-fitting replacements...

[Patrick H.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

If original hoses aren't available I can't believe a trip to a NAPA store wouldn't get serviceable, well-fitting replacements...

If only that were true.

I have yet to find a vacuum hose in a parts store that is anything like what is used in the 68-82 Corvettes.
In addition, he's restoring it with an eye towards judging, so OTC parts would be configured differently, even if available.

[Michael L.]

[Mark E.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

Did you use silicone grease or silicone sealant?

Using a bit of silicone grease is a good way to help seal vacuum connections. It also makes them easier to separate later, and unlike petroleum based grease, will not soften the rubber. Dielectric can be used but regular silicone grease is fine for this application. It doesn't dry but will firm up a bit as it ages.

Using silicone sealant may make it difficult to later separate the connections.

[Ed D.]

Re: Good sealant for the vacuum hoses connections

I still have the original hoses on my 72, and use an old trick to make sure the hoses make a good seal. I swab the inside of the hose with a small amount of brake fluid which causes the rubber to swell, and did not have to cut the expanded ends of the original hoses. Use dot 3 or 4 not dot 5.
Ed