[Electrical] Preventative Maintenance

[Trimley]

I put Dielectric Grease on all 12v connections today. I did not do the Glow Plug connections, yet.

 

[DustyRusty]

A common misconception is that dielectric grease is capable of conducting electricity. In fact, dielectric grease is an insulator and doesn't conduct electricity. Thanks AI

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

A common misconception is that dielectric grease is capable of conducting electricity. In fact, dielectric grease is an insulator and doesn't conduct electricity. Thanks AI

back in the day used to "mud" trucks through very deep water.
back then the use of di-electric grease started to be used by similar riders anticipating it would make the connections water proof. What ended up happening was a lot of trucks caught fired and burned to the ground!
Happens when the connection this grease is used on is a little loose or grease gets between the mating surfaces. The grease then prevents electricity making the required connection and fires ensue and/or on the more modern stuff fries the ecu's/computers. Great stuff for preventing corrosion though on tight connections to cover outside but definitely not between mating surfaces where you want the juice to flow.

cheers

 

[Trimley]

A common misconception is that dielectric grease is capable of conducting electricity. In fact, dielectric grease is an insulator and doesn't conduct electricity. Thanks AI

Whoops. Crayola.

I suppose I'll be cleaning all them connections with electrical contact cleaner now.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[DustyRusty]

I use chassis grease or Vaseline on bulb sockets on my old cars and the tractor to keep out moisture. If I have to clean a bulb socket, I spray it with brake cleaner and use a plumber wire 1/2" brush to brighten the inside. Ib electrical circuits that I want to keep good conductivity and keep moisture out of I use cosmoline. This is an old Navy trick that I learned from a friend who was in the Navy. I buy cans of Spray On PDRP (cosmoline in a spray can).

 

[The Evil Twin]

I have used dielectric grease on vehicle connectors for decades. Not once have I experienced an electrical malfunction with properly mated connectors. If the grease gets between the mating surfaces of the pins, there is already an issue with the connector.
Some good reading (by a manufacturer of insulating and conductive lubricants) that will explain:

Not Recommended-Conductive grease use on electrical connectors

We never recommend using a conductive grease to fix problem with electrical connectors, always choose a dielectic electrical connector grease

support.newgatesimms.com

 

[Elliott in GA]

If you are trying to prevent corrosion and seal out water, you may find that a quick spray of Corrosion X does a great job, and it is easy to use - safe on all electronics.

CorrosionX – Corrosion Technologies

Kills Rust and Corrosion World's Greatest Lubricant, Penetrant & Anti-Seize Safe on Electronics CorrosionX is the most advanced and effective corrosion prevention compound, lubricant and penetrant in the world! Although it may look like a typical oil-based anti-corrosion spray, CorrosionX...

www.corrosionx.com

 

[Trimley]

I'll stay with using the Dielectric Grease. My grandfather used it for YEARS without problems.

Thanks all for the input.

 

[GeoHorn]

Dielectric Grease (such as silicone-types like DowCorning DC4, etc) is also good when a dab is spread on spin-on filter gaskets, making future removal simple and easy.

The filter mfr’r instructs to use motor oil or chassis grease.
Bad Idea.
The reason to use a lubricant is to prevent the gasket from becoming dislodged during installation. But the problem with using motor oil or chassis grease is that the engine heat will cook and coke the oil/grease making the gasket STICK and preventing easy removal. It also can cause the gasket to separate from the filter during removal and remain on the Block! ….and that might go unnoticed and cause a leak at the next installation.

Use “silicone” grease or dielectric grease instead. Just a “dab”. It’s what is done on aircraft and is what I’ve done for decades on all spin on filters. They come off by hand.

(Caution: Do NOT overtighten them. The dielectric grease will make it easy to overtighten also. Install them until they bottom-out and then ONE more turn only.…(or to the specified torque.)

Try it. You’ll like it.

PS: I don’t believe for a minute that dielectric grease was the cause of an electrical fire due to loose or poor electrical connections. That’s an example of really misinformed, amateur investigation. The dielectric grease does Not prevent electricity making the required connection.…. the loose/lousy connection does that.

 

[Soopitup]

Whoops. Crayola.

I suppose I'll be cleaning all them connections with electrical contact cleaner now.

Thanks for the feedback.

The pins/contacts still touch. The grease helps to prevent corrosion.
Car manufacturers use it on things like headlight connections.
And it helps keep spark plug boots from sticking.
Ect.

back in the day used to "mud" trucks through very deep water.
back then the use of di-electric grease started to be used by similar riders anticipating it would make the connections water proof. What ended up happening was a lot of trucks caught fired and burned to the ground!
Happens when the connection this grease is used on is a little loose or grease gets between the mating surfaces. The grease then prevents electricity making the required connection and fires ensue and/or on the more modern stuff fries the ecu's/computers. Great stuff for preventing corrosion though on tight connections to cover outside but definitely not between mating surfaces where you want the juice to flow.

cheers

The problem is with the loose connection, not the grease.
In fact, the grease should help prevent arcing in that case (loose connection).
The grease won't prevent a tight connection from working, it's easily pushed aside by the terminals.