On the subject of removing silicone sealer from bodged up instruments,
I recently had to remove a quantity of it from a set of feeders (pump)
from a Mortier organ.  It seemed to have been used as a kind of panacea
to resurrect a dying organ from its sickbed!  Needless to say, it
hadn't worked.

I found acetone successful in removing silicone, but it also tends to
lift any finish remaining on the timber.  After brushing on and leaving
to soak for a few moments it was possible to gently scrape the silicone
away.

A word of warning though: acetone is a particularly noxious substance
and a mask and skin protection should be worn.  Good ventilation is
also essential.

Best wishes,

Russell Wattam.