how to soften old cork gaskets

[johndee138]

I got a pack of old HD gas cap gaskets that are brittle as hell and I need to replace my neoprene gaskets as they are swelling up and deforming. turning to blubber. Anyone have any experience w/ this?

[bmh]

I had the same problem when I replaced the oil tank cap gasket on my 71 glide. after breaking the first 2 trying to get them on I soaked one over night in a small dish of light oil with a coffee cup on top of it to hold it down in the oil, patted it dry and put it on. It was still a bit on the brittle side, but pliable enough to install very carefully.It's been in service now about 5 yrs., maybe 5000 mi. no problems . Gas cap gaskets are thinner though. Don't know if that would make a difference or not.
Brian

[Kojack]

Usually just soaking in water for a few days will do it.