Butyl tape questions.

[baboon]

I went down to check the boat today and found a puddle on my cushion. It is time to re-bed the fixed ports and I thought I would give butyl tape a try (after doing some searching around this site). I have a few questions I could not find answers to. The ports are plastic with aluminum external frames through bolted with LOTS of fasteners.

Is there a source in the Seattle area?
What do you clean it up with? I will make a mess. so "be carefull" is not helpfull.
Can it be used in cold and damp conditions?
The PO was fond of silicone, will butyl stick with the usual prep, or is there a lot of sanding in my future?

Thanks!

[xort]

There may be a lot of sanding in your future. Silicone is tough to get rid of.
Butyl tape is just that, a tape - on a roll. So making a mess is harder to do. Not like caulk at all. Once you have it on, you trim off the excess. Might need some acetone to wipe off the residue.

As for sources, call around to RV parts places. Most will have it in grey & black and in various widths.

Not sure about cold damp conditions. if the butyl is flexable it should apply when cold. I would think you would want the surfaces dry.

[erps]

Maybe the wet cushion was from the condensate melting off your ports from that freeze we had earlier this week? I would confirm the source of the wet cushions first because I'm a big believer in "if it's not broke, don't fix it" school of thought.

[Capnblu]

You can get butyl at any glass shop.

[djodenda]

Noticed some at McLendon's hardware, which has just about everything.

David

[baboon]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately it is a true leak, I can see where the caulk has failed. I will check into the local places to buy the tape. Perhaps I can heat the tape to keep it flexible while using it. As long as I am taking the port apart I will probably replace the plastic and barrel bolts.

[Wayne25]

Also try your local heating and air conditioning supply house. Its used to mate flanges on high pressure duct work.

[floatsome]

Glass installation shops carry it.

[timebandit]

Ya'all do know of course that in high heat (southern California)of a closed car that it may melt and make an mess.

[baboon]

I anxiously await the day it is hot enough in Seattle to melt butyl tape. Most August days you would have trouble getting butter to melt around here.