The case of the oozing butyl

[LONG_KEELER]

Am re-doing my deck fittings with butyl tape .

Using Arboseal GZ 12mm .

Am now a complete convert to the stuff. Dead easy to place in the areas you want
it to go. Plus you can use bits to wind round bolts etc.

I have noticed however, that each time I visit the boat a bit more is oozing out of
the fittings. Is this normal ? . Have I used too much or applied too much force ? .

They are all beautifully watertight and should be a a doddle to trim with a Stanley Knife.

Thanks.

 

[ianfr]

Compress to 50% of thickness and leave was what I was told.

Ian

 

[Tradewinds]

If you countersink the holes, when you tighten down a strong gasket is made within that countersink and around the bolt. You can then tighten fittings firmly.

So oozing doesn't really matter.

Just my 2ps worth.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Thanks chaps !

Good advice.

 

[Poignard]

I use cheap nylon washers as spacers between the fitting and whatever it is being fixed to. And I use CT1 sealant.

Works for me.

 

[ianfr]

If you countersink the holes, when you tighten down a strong gasket is made within that countersink and around the bolt. You can then tighten fittings firmly.

So oozing doesn't really matter.

Just my 2ps worth.

+1 there is a good article here www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

 

[vyv_cox]

My kitchen sink at home is bedded on it. It oozed for about a month and then stopped.

 

[thinwater]

I like to us a plastic knife, or at least a dull knife, as Vyv pointed out.

My boat was built using butyl 20 years ago, and boy is it nice when it's time to remove a hatch or winch. No leaks.

 

[Ceirwan]

It will ooze for a little while, after 1 week its worth retightening all the bolts as this stuff takes a while to really bed in.

The advantage of course is that it lasts practically forever.
I find trying to use the minimum amount possible under the fitting helps.

I wouldn't personally use washers to space if off as usually the fitting is designed to rest on its base, and you're changing a large contact patch to a few small ones. Thats probably just my paranoia though.