I have always used dish detergent. It works great and eventually "disappears" as oils would not. It seems effective and harmless. 

I have tried it diluted with water, too, but it did not work as well as full strength. 

Jim

> On Nov 21, 2013, at 6:10 AM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> In chemical work glycerin is the traditional lubricant when putting glass
> tubing thru rubber stoppers.  Of course there is rubber and there is
> rubber...
> 
> 
> 
>> On Thu, Nov 21, 2013 at 5:59 AM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:
>> 
>>        Not good for the rubber.  Krown Oil or similar oil that will keep
>> the rubber SOFT is important.  That’s why I do not use any sealant as
>> discussed in an earlier posting.  If the rubber is nice and soft and the
>> frame in good condition all nicely painted then no sealant is needed.
>> 
>> 
>> On Nov 20, 2013, at 7:18 PM, Automatic digest processor <
>> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
>> 
>>> I have nboty had the pleasure of replacing a window and seal myself -
>>> but I would think that Glycerin would be an optimum lubricant for the
>>> task! Get it at the drug store.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> 
>> Frank Condelli
>> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
>> '87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel
>> Trains (Collection for sale)
>> Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the
>> Ottawa Valley
>> BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 05 ~ 08, 2014
>>