Old Vulkem Clean up Is there a safe Solvent

[Tony S]

I fear damaging the trailer. I need to remove Old Vulkem from my trailer and I am wonder what the proper method or methods are. Some of it is just smeared around the water heater opening ( a two inch band) the other is the crusty dirty stuff from around the vent I removed yesterday to replace with a Fantastic Vent.

Someone suggested Brakleen and (auto painting) Prep solvent

I suspect what is around the water heater opening is a problem

Thanks for the help

Tony S
Rogue River, Oregon

[dznf0g]

It was I who suggested the above solvents. However I now note that you have an AS with Plasticote, I think. Test both solvents in an inconspicuous spot. Neither hurts clearcoat paint on the newer units.

Remove most of the old sealer with a plastic scraper before cleaning up with a solvent.

[Tony S]

Thanks Rich

I got most of the crusty off up on the roof. Not clean enough to reseal.

I will have to get a pic of what is around the water heater.

Tony

[Frank's Trailer Works]

WD40 if it is still tacky. MEK is dry. Those two products work for me.

[perryg114]

Try Gumout carb cleaner. I doubt there is any clear coat left to harm on a 73.

Perry

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by perryg114

Try Gumout carb cleaner. I doubt there is any clear coat left to harm on a 73.

Perry

Maybe, if there is no clear left, but carb cleaner is really aggressive stuff. It'll eat paint........etc.

[perryg114]

I have not had issues with Gumout eating paint. Paint remover will remove paint and I have resorted to that for real stubborn thick Vulkem. Try it some place where it won't matter if the clear coat comes off. Most old trailers don't have enough clear coat left to worry about. None of this stuff will hurt the aluminum. It is not a bad idea to wear gloves.

Perry

[ROBERT CROSS]

.....warm with DW's hair dryer, plastic scraper, prepsol and plenty of rags.

Bob

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

.....warm with DW's hair dryer, plastic scraper, prepsol and plenty of rags.

Bob

My hair dryer won't work.......just DWs?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

My hair dryer won't work.......just DWs?

Just do the gender change before attempting to use it.

Bob

[cwf]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Just do the gender change before attempting to use it.

Bob

My my, vulkem does strange things to us!!

[Tony S]

Thanks.

No citrus based cleaner for this job.

You bet I will where gloves.
Tony

[Tony S]

I finally got some pictures of the area I was talking about and what it looks like. I am assuming this is Vulkem put on with a very big toe.

The vent on the roof is just the remains of the crusty stuff.

Thanks

Tony

[perryg114]

Gumout will get it done.

Perry

[Tony S]

Awesome, thanks

Tony

[RacerX]

I've been using big popsicle sticks and peeling to pull off old Vulkem, but haven't been able to get the last bit. Thanks for the Gumout tip Perry.