Port removal

Wayne25 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007

The previous owner of my Helms 25 replaced the 4 port glass windows and sealed everything in with a white sealant. Unfortunitally they still leak. These are the typical aluminum track port mounts that were used in the 70's.
My problem is that I can't break the sealant loose between the aluminum track and the fiberglass hull. He did this in the mid 90's, so I'm not sure if he used a polysulfide or a polyurethane like 5200. I hope its not 5200. Has anyone had success in breaking the bond on 5200 or polysulfide? Have you tried Anti-Bond 2015? Does it work? Will it dammage gelcoat? Any ideas would be appreciated.
BTW, the aluminum trim is in great condition so I don't want to bend it up.

Thanks,

Wayne

Giulietta · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007

Wayne,

There are almost no chemicals to remove old silicone or sikaflex products, and the existing ones weaken the gelcoat.

What I do, when I need to remove it, is a sharp exacto blade and a piano wire, with two handles, that you skeeze on one end and pull/push all the way around. Like a saw. Hope I explained ok...

Once removed the port, you scrape the rest with the knife and accetone.

It's hard to remove, and has to be "mechanical" removal, not "chemical".

Wayne25 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007

Giu:

That is a great idea, ThankYou! Truely a world of knowledge here.

Wayne

Giulietta · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007

You're welcome...I found that after you remove the part, to remove the remaining silicone, rubbing with my finger, until released works fine, also.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007

You need to use a solvent to remove the silicone residue, or the new sealant will probably not stick properly.

Wayne25 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007

I got a recommendation to use this product. http://www.marineformula.com/ I ordered some and will let you know how it works.

Wayne25 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007

I tried the Marine Formula from DeBond on the white caulking holding in the ports. It said it would not harm gelcoat, but I tried a small area and it didn't seem to soffen or change the gelcoat at all. I ran a razor knife around the sealant joint as directed and sprayed just a little of the product all around the exterior edge. Waited about 5 minutes and applied a little more. Then in about 20 minutes, and with a little pressure from the inside, the port started to pull away from the gelcoat. It left the white caulk (which I assume was a polyurethane like 5200 or a polysulfide) looking like a flat gasket. This sounds like a commercial, but the stuff did what it said it was going to do. I also tried it on some silicone on another piece I had removed and it worked well removing it from the surface.

Wayne