DiElectric Grease

[Big MAK]

Use DiElectric grease on/in wiring harness connectors. ESPECIALLY on/in connectors at the lower part of engine -- like the crankshaft position sensor and flywheel position sensor (lower front of engine).



I've always been a believer in doing this. Note that the factory harness has dielectric grease in the connectors.



The main point is to seal the connection from outside contaminants; most notably water but also dirt/dust.



It's my opinion that many of the spurious codes and random problems with aftermarket boxes are caused by contaminated or less then perfect wiring connections. Not only does the grease seal the plug; it enhances the connection surface.

 

[SRadke]

Amen! Also very good to have on battery terminals to prevent corrosion.



-Scott

 

[Don-T]

Where can I buy dielectric grease?

 

[jjohn]

Auto parts stores

 

[Don-T]

Auto parts stores around here have no idea what it is.

 

[SRadke]

Do a websearch at any online store, you'll find it.



-Scott

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by Don-T

Where can I buy dielectric grease?

Tried Tractor Supply, if you have one near you? I can get it at Farm & Fleet here.



Also check a electrical supply store or a place like Menards or Home Depot in the electrical section. Local lumber yard may have it in their electrical section.

 

[midlife crisis]

Big Mak- I couldnt agree more. However, I would like to add something I have witnessed. I have seen on occasion where so much grease is introduced into the female pin, when the male pin goes in and the connector is forced "home" the force of the grease spreads the female pin open. I first found this on a Bosch EDC pump after a complaint of erratic running. Everything was checked-tps, harness's, batts, grounds, heck it drove 3 techs crazy. It wasnt until I convinced myself I was going to fix it, spent the day in the bilge inspecting EVERY pin, connector, ground, electric carrying device known to the gods, that I found this. The "Jiggle test" had been tried on this connector as well, but it didnt reveal. Just coincidence when it would happen. After that first time- I have seen it again or heard of it from one in my group a dozen more. Just like beer & women- use it in moderation!

 

[jjohn]

Originally posted by Don-T

Auto parts stores around here have no idea what it is.

I've seen it several places but the tube I have is



"Carquest SL-4"

"SiliconeDielectric Compound"



It is manufactured by Standard Motor products INC.





use Keywork on napa site electric or Dielectric both took me to Dielectric Silicone GreaseNAPA

 

[FastEnough]

I agree 100%%%%%

I used some on when I hooked up my PMCR.

 

[dieselpilot1969]

Is that like heat sink grease for a cpu?

 

[LSteiner]

dieselpilot,



Absolutely NOT

 

[jwilliams3]

NAPA has it.



--Justin

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Dow Gorning # 10 ,comes in 8 oz. tubes. Apply like aftershave not tooth paste

 

[Bertram65]

Any of you guys in states with snow, go to the local Fisher plow dealer they sell it, Fisher brand, my last plow was a Fisher and they reconmend it for the connections for the electrical hookup for the plow that you have to plug in for the lights / pump when you hook up the plow each time.

 

[bighammer]

So it's not conductive enough to create a short between different pins? (pardon my ignorance, but I thought dielectric grease is conductive) I use it pretty sparingly on multi-pin connectors just because I don't know.

 

[nickleinonen]

Originally posted by bighammer

So it's not conductive enough to create a short between different pins? (pardon my ignorance, but I thought dielectric grease is conductive) I use it pretty sparingly on multi-pin connectors just because I don't know.

i believe it is more like a corrosion inhibitor. it cleans the surfaces [like a flux when soldering] but after the connection is made, it protects the connection to keeps contaminates out... [i could be wrong on this, but i have been told this - and i get it in big toothpaste size tubes from work]

 

[bighammer]

That makes sense to me.

 

[ttreibel]

Think of it as silicon that never dries. Any big electrical supplier will have it, used all the time for underground wire splices. Keeps the water out!

 

[Don-T]

I found a NAPA store that had some. One of these days I will pull the connectors apart for the TST box and put a little bit on the contacts to help protect them. Thanks guys.