Removing silicone sealant?

[Dawg]

I've just had the primary chain case outer off my 1960 Norton Dominator motorcycle - when I put it on, I used a typical silicone sealant from halfords - in the past, I just soaked it in petrol, but this stuff is incredible... Just will not come off. I've tried more petrol, a sharp blade scraping it and now cellulose thinners, but it's mostly still there.

Can anyone recommend a substance or liquid that will make the sealant just drop off...




Cheers m'dears.

[9mm]

Most DIY stores sell silicone solvent. As do screwfix:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/unibond-silicone-sealant...

[Dodsy]

I suspect it isnt silicone, probably something like sikaflex or tigerseal . I have had a lot of success in the past by :

1. Cutting away as much as possible with a very sharp knife
2. Then use the edge of a credit card or other type of plastic card to scrape it away - this takes time !
3. Finish by rubbing with a cloth soaked in white spirit, let it soak in for a few seconds then it should rub off, I have (once the white spirit has dried/been wiped off) used a gardening glove to rub it off.

Mostly its just elbow grease, if you google 'sikaflex removal' the general view is that mechanical removal is the only option.

[CrutyRammers]

Dodsy said:

I suspect it isnt silicone, probably something like sikaflex or tigerseal . I have had a lot of success in the past by :

1. Cutting away as much as possible with a very sharp knife
2. Then use the edge of a credit card or other type of plastic card to scrape it away - this takes time !
3. Finish by rubbing with a cloth soaked in white spirit, let it soak in for a few seconds then it should rub off, I have (once the white spirit has dried/been wiped off) used a gardening glove to rub it off.

Mostly its just elbow grease, if you google 'sikaflex removal' the general view is that mechanical removal is the only option.

I'd agree, silicone comes off pretty easily.
You'll want a gasket scraper and lots of cellulose thiners and rag to get the last bits off. I've had some success using a hot air gun to soften it first. It's a pig though, and no mistake.

[tvrolet]

Elbow grease and brake cleaner.

[Dawg]

Dodsy said:

I suspect it isnt silicone, probably something like sikaflex or tigerseal . I have had a lot of success in the past by :

1. Cutting away as much as possible with a very sharp knife
2. Then use the edge of a credit card or other type of plastic card to scrape it away - this takes time !
3. Finish by rubbing with a cloth soaked in white spirit, let it soak in for a few seconds then it should rub off, I have (once the white spirit has dried/been wiped off) used a gardening glove to rub it off.

Mostly its just elbow grease, if you google 'sikaflex removal' the general view is that mechanical removal is the only option.

Thanks for the replies..

That makes more sense - I've been using silicone sealant for the past 15 years on these old motorcycles - it's never been this difficult before..

[VeeFource]

Can also use a dremel with a brush attachement (not metal as this will damage the case)