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1. 03:26 AM - Re: When / where to use dielectric grease? (sha664817)
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| Subject: | Re: When / where to use dielectric grease? |
There's a lot of chatter about the use of dielectric grease. Permeate suggests
that Dielectric Tune-Up Grease is a good barrier to oxidation at plugs, connectors
and terminals. There are some online comments at forums that say not to
place dielectric grease on connector pins.
I've gone to the Permeate site, and the information is vague:
"Protects electrical connections and wiring from salt, dirt and corrosion. Extends
the life of bulb sockets. Prevents voltage leakage around any electrical connection.
Also prevents spark plugs from fusing to boots. Required for modern
high energy ignition systems."
Directions for Connectors: 1. Make sure ignition system is off. 2. Clean surface
with Permeate Contact Cleaner. 3. Coat both parts of terminal contact with Dielectric
Grease. 4. Reassemble, maintaining metal-to-metal contact.
In the PDF, Permatex cites uses for the Permatex Dielectric Tune-Up Grease:
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Spark plug boots
Distributor cap nipples
Battery terminals
Ignition coil connectors
Headlamp connectors
Trailer electrical connectors
The "metal-to-metal contact" reference may create suspicion for some about "Dielectric Tune-Up Grease". I've used this product for years around tune-up work without reservation. I searched around and found an engineer's assessment of dielectric grease that suggests Permatex Dielectric Tune-Up Grease should work well on a variety of pin connector materials without creating any kind of resistance or barrier to current flow. This commentary is worth reading: http://www.w8ji.com/...tive_grease.htm, the author seems well informed, experienced, and he uses a scientific approach. According to the engineer, metal-to-metal pin contact should result if pins are clean and not tarnished, with or without dielectric grease on the pins.
It's realistic to presume that the degree of conductivity is governed by the tension
of the pin and socket fit, not whether we use dielectric grease. Whether
or not you use the dielectric grease, I would use a quality electrical contact
cleaner to get rid of the oozing material at your PCM plug and terminals.
Make sure you flush out all residue and allow complete evaporation to prevent
dilution of remaining grease or any issues with spark arc hazards. I would at
least place dielectric grease on connector lips to act as an effective moisture
and oxidation barrier.
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http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=487223#487223
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