I just purchased a Unicolor print drum for processing 4x5 film. Although the drum is virtually new (still with the original paper wrapped around the drum), the gasket that seals the top to the drum leaks. It appears to be slightly deformed and doesn't seat properly.

I wonder if gaskets are still available? If not, has anyone else encountered this problem and solved it with a commercially available gasket?

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), March 21, 2002

Answers

I had a unidrum that was stored for years and also leaked around the gasket. I heated the gasket over a stove eye (hold it with pliers)to soften it up. You may have to do this several times, but it fixed mine...no leaks.

-- Don Sparks (harleyman7@aol.com), March 21, 2002.

Ted, I had thhe same problem. I took the gasket out and squeezed a thin bead of butyl bathtub caulking onto the lid seat and then put the gasket back in and closed the lid. Let it dry overnight and it was good as new.

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll let you all know how I make out with it.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), March 22, 2002.

I took James' advice and sealed it with silicon rubber caulk. It's absolutely sound now without the slightest trace of a leak. Thanks James!

The procedure requires removal of both the thin, hard plastic gasket, and the inner, soft plastic seal, which is the actual water-tight seal. After removing the inner seal, apply a coating of silicon rubber to the channel where the seal had been seated. Then replace the inner seal and wipe away the excess silicon. Replace the outer gasket and reseat the top. It takes about 8 hours to set.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), March 22, 2002.