Define 'silicone'

["Janet Scruggs" <scruggs@mbay.net>]

> Brian, et al., If your car has an O2 sensor, you just killed it. Bosch,
> as well as VW/Audi, expressly state that no silicone be used
> in/on/around the intake system as fatal O2 sensor damage will result.

Perhaps I missed the thrust of this comment but there may be some confusion
between silicon spray lubricant and silicone rubber RTV (room temperature
vulcanizing) gasket material.  With respect to destroying the O2 sensor the
offending member is not silicon, it is the vapor that is given off by RTV as
it cures.  I don't recall the proper name of the vapor but it has an acetic
acid smell and it coats the sensor portion of the O2 sensor rendering it
inoperative.   When needing an RTV gasket on your intake system there are
specific variants available which won't harm the O2 sensor.  Silicon
lubricant won't harm the O2 sensor but it will do wonders for the longevity
of any of your rubber products.

Regards, Gross Scruggs