Oily tyres. Solution?

[youtoo]

Hi all,

I searched for threads on this topic but I found none. I've got a bunch of sets from late 90s and early 2000s, and they suffer from this problem. I think I saw a thread about defects in Lego parts and this was mentioned multiple times.

My question is, do you guys know any good way to get rid of the oil without damaging the tyres themselves?

Thanks!

[AussieJimbo]

I've only had this problem once. I don't think the oiliness is dangerous at all but it's not very nice.

I just did what I could with some paper towel and that seemed to sort most of it out.

Perhaps mild soapy water? Doubt if that would do anything to the rubber.

:classic:

Edited August 2, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[22kane]

  On 8/2/2011 at 2:59 AM, AussieJimbo said:

Perhaps mild soapy water? Doubt if that would do anything to the rubber.

:classic:

And there is your answer. It won't hurt the tires at all.

[CP5670]

I don't think you can actually get rid of the oil completely, as that's part of the substance the tires are made of. If you leave the models out on display for a few years, the tires will harden over time and become less slimy. However, you can remove it off other parts using alcohol. See the entry on oily tires here.

[Modulex Guy]

  On 8/2/2011 at 3:40 AM, CP5670 said:

I don't think you can actually get rid of the oil completely, as that's part of the substance the tires are made of. If you leave the models out on display for a few years, the tires will harden over time and become less slimy. However, you can remove it off other parts using alcohol. See the entry on oily tires here.

I believe it is actually the mould releasing agent not "in" the tires themselves.

Just use the methods said above, paper towels or soap and water.

[youtoo]

Somebody suggested me to use nail polish remover. Has a bit of acetone and water. I tried with a q-tip dipped in remover and rubbing it on the tyres and took out a quite a bit of the oil without damaging the tyres... but still have a slight oily feeling.

[22kane]

  On 8/2/2011 at 2:27 PM, Polish Guy said:

I believe it is actually the mould releasing agent not "in" the tires themselves.

Just use the methods said above, paper towels or soap and water.

This is actually true. Many rubber molds are coated in oil so the product can be released. The oil is not coming from inside the tires.

[SpiderSpaceman]

  On 8/2/2011 at 2:27 PM, Polish Guy said:

I believe it is actually the mould releasing agent not "in" the tires themselves.

Thanks for that, I was thinking I was gonna have to say it.

Roll 'em around in Oil Dri (or just fresh 'kitty litter'), then just dust 'em off.

welllll come to think of it that's probably more an idea for excess oil on top of the residual oiliness.

Edited August 3, 2011 by SpiderSpaceman

[CP5670]

That is interesting to know. Thanks for the correction. Does the oil dry up or evaporate over time? The tires are very slimy out of the box but become considerably better after a few years.

It's a good thing they don't use this oil anymore in any case. The stuff rubs off on other Lego pieces and is very time-consuming to remove, as it won't come off with water alone.