www.iFourWinns.com

I get frustrated every time I need to use 4200. I have a tube which costs a fortune for basically silicone and I can only get one good use out of it and it hardens inside the tube behind the cap(as it is designed to do in deck fittings). So if I need to reinstall 1 screw I end up wasting a good part of the tube.
I have been cutting small holes in the tube where it feels like it didn't harden to get what I need and tape over the holes when I am done. That eventfully hardens that area and I need to cut a new hole each time. I don't get many uses out of it and it ends up being swiss cheese.
It would be really nice if they sold like a 10 pack of tiny tubes for one time use... I just hate wasting things, like $$$.
Okay I'm done.. thanks for the venting...

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

It's a moisture curing polyurethane, not a silicone.

You can put it in a sealable bucket with dessicant; no moisture. no cure

Or, stick it in the freezer; -18 deg.C, virtually no moisture in there and the cure rate is greatly diminished.

Pull the cap, put cling wrap on opening of tube, and re install the cap.

Should keep the tube from curing, and I usually push the hardened plug out of the cap with a large nail.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I tried unclogging this stuff but 4200 is pretty tough to get through and I don't think the cling wrap will work any better. The cap is a pretty sealed item and I thought as soon as this stuff hit the air the chemicals reacted and doesn't matter if it is seal or not. Just like using this stuff for a screw. The screw seals it in but it still cures. I donno.. I am no chemists.. LOL!
I will try the freezer trick. I know this is an obvious answer otherwise you wouldn't of said to put in the freezer but does the temp ruin this stuff say after a year or 2?
I have paint brushes and roller in the fridge, I guess I will take part of the freezer too. HEE HEE.

_________________
--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

Freezing it won't irreversibly harm it. The reactive molecules of the prepolymer are frozen in space and every reaction is slowed down including deactivation of catalysts etc Clearly, before you use it again it needs to be defrosted !

I usually do nothing at all with mine, and just pop the plug out with a nail like I said.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

3M puts the 5200 in a 1 oz tube but ive never seen the 4200 or 4000 or similar from other manufacturers in anything smaller than a 3 oz. That 1 oz tube is perfect for small jobs by the DIY'rs.

Ive found that pulling the cone and putting the original cap back on works. The cone is going to dry anyway, might as well dry off the tube.

I buy the 1oz tubes. One tube, one use. I tried freezing it, sealing it better. But it always went bad on me. Its "time" & "air/sealing it" that works against you.

I think it's kind of a "if it's important enough for 4200 it's important enough to buy it fresh" thing.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
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