How to remove silicone "oil" from injection port

[tlahren]

Does anyone know how to remove silicone build-up from the septum in the injection port? I have a SSL injector that has not been used in 2 years but installed and I'm noticing a lot of, what appears to be, silicone oil residue from the breakdown of the septum. It is covering the entire inside of the injection port. I tried a copper brush and acetone and methylene chloride but it still seems to stick around. My peaks have awful tailing that I can't get rid of. Is there any solvent out there that will dissolve this junk so I can restore my injection port?

Thanks,
Ty

[chromatographer1]

Silicones break down in the presence of base.

Ammonia comes to mind. Ammonia in methanol also comes to mind.

best wishes,

Rod

[tlahren]

Thanks Rod. I have also heard a similar suggestion here around the lab. I think I'll give it a try next.