slippery silicone concepts

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

John, Kirby, qlist...

Am it sure it is the acetic acid that is the problem and not silicone
itself... as in done there/been that tested it in the lab myself certain...
no.  Neither can I speak to the experience of Audi/VW which precipitated the
referenced bulletin.  Although if "silicone the protector" causes this
problem would we not have heard of this from at least one more source?
Given the accumulated experience of the qlist and the various corners of
automotiveness that we have explored, has anyone else heard of "silicone the
protector" causing O2 sensor failure?

I hold in my hand, trust me on this, a tube of Permatex "Ultra Black -
sensor-safe OEM hi-temp RTV silicone gasket maker."  Note phrase, "sensor
safe."  I hold in my other hand a can of LPS Silicone spray.... the label
for which offers no cautions about where to use it... or not.

I've only owned four cars with O2 sensors but have used silicone spray on
all of the rubber components of all of them.  As part of my preventative
maintenance practice I often remove the boots, bellows and couplings of the
intake system to clean and and then to lubricate/protect them... inside and
out... with silicone spray.  I have had no O2 sensor failures.  I cannot,
however, complete the circle and report that I have used 'unsafe' RTV in the
making of intake gaskets on these cars and have had sudden O2 sensor
failure.  Anybody?

Would be interesting to find the origins of their TSB.

Regards, Gross