COP
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
Wiki quote
"Another common use of dielectric grease is on the rubber mating surfaces or gaskets of multi-pin electrical connectors used in automotive and marine engines. The grease again acts as a lubricant and a sealant on the nonconductive mating surfaces of the connector. It is not recommended to be applied to the actual electrical conductive contacts of the connector because it could interfere with the electrical signals passing through the connector in cases where the contact pressure is very low. Products designed as electronic connector lubricants, on the other hand, should be applied to such connector contacts and can dramatically extend their useful life. Polyphenyl Ether, rather than silicone grease, is the active ingredient in some such connector lubricants."
Ideally, you would put a drop of the electrically conductive grease on the sparkplug's top tip and the insulating dielectric grease on the ceramic insulator of the sparkplug. You do not want the Polyphenyl Ether or any petroleum on the rubber boot because it will deteriorate the rubber. You also do not want a conducting element allowing voltage down the sparkplug tube as it will destroy the COP and an arc will split the rubber boot. You want to shield the insulator part of the plug to prevent contaminates from accessing your electrical connection and this is where you use the silicone and it also lubricates the rubber for later removal without destruction.
Put more simply you want your sparkplug boot to mimic the sparkplug in the samehess contact points. Insulator to insulator and conductor to conductor. HTH
"Another common use of dielectric grease is on the rubber mating surfaces or gaskets of multi-pin electrical connectors used in automotive and marine engines. The grease again acts as a lubricant and a sealant on the nonconductive mating surfaces of the connector. It is not recommended to be applied to the actual electrical conductive contacts of the connector because it could interfere with the electrical signals passing through the connector in cases where the contact pressure is very low. Products designed as electronic connector lubricants, on the other hand, should be applied to such connector contacts and can dramatically extend their useful life. Polyphenyl Ether, rather than silicone grease, is the active ingredient in some such connector lubricants."
Ideally, you would put a drop of the electrically conductive grease on the sparkplug's top tip and the insulating dielectric grease on the ceramic insulator of the sparkplug. You do not want the Polyphenyl Ether or any petroleum on the rubber boot because it will deteriorate the rubber. You also do not want a conducting element allowing voltage down the sparkplug tube as it will destroy the COP and an arc will split the rubber boot. You want to shield the insulator part of the plug to prevent contaminates from accessing your electrical connection and this is where you use the silicone and it also lubricates the rubber for later removal without destruction.
Put more simply you want your sparkplug boot to mimic the sparkplug in the samehess contact points. Insulator to insulator and conductor to conductor. HTH
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
I agree with the second half of that post about using the two different greases. With caution of course.
On the first part, connectors are very easy to foul, and pin style connectors that use multiple pins inside are not that tight of connectors. Also inside a connector is not always just voltage. It could be a sense loop where a reading in the milivolts or resistance is used by something. I'd use electrical contact cleaner and then a little dielectric grease on the body, or where there is an oring or such on the connector, if waterproof.
I'm an aircraft mech and I've seen issues with connectors filled up with dielectric grease so I am a little cautious.
On the first part, connectors are very easy to foul, and pin style connectors that use multiple pins inside are not that tight of connectors. Also inside a connector is not always just voltage. It could be a sense loop where a reading in the milivolts or resistance is used by something. I'd use electrical contact cleaner and then a little dielectric grease on the body, or where there is an oring or such on the connector, if waterproof.
I'm an aircraft mech and I've seen issues with connectors filled up with dielectric grease so I am a little cautious.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
After reading all this I think just a little grease on the spring tip is all that is needed. Everyone is concerned about arcing but that won't happen if the REAL culprit is addressed; water and debris in the holes. Plug boots have been installed dry for 100 years but now they have the spring extensions which do cause some corrosion at the end.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
Every electrical connection will improve, and a little goes a long way. It Can also be used for long term storage and no "tool box" should be without. I share only for information purposes. This stuff works, it's inexpensive, has multiple uses and has been around forever. Remains an industry standard for critical connections.
NO-OX-ID "A-SPECIAL" is the electrical contact grease of choice for new electrical installations and maintenance. NO-OX-ID is an electrically conductive grease that keeps metals free from rust and corrosion. This electrically conductive grease which has been used in the power industry for over 65 years to prevent corrosion in electrical connectors from low micro-power electronics to high voltage switchgear. NO-OX-ID electrical grease prevents the formation of oxides, sulfides and other corrosion deposits on copper, aluminum, and steel surfaces and conductors.
The purpose of a electrical contact lubricant is to prevent corrosion and lubricate the connection for easier maintenance. NO-OX-ID "A-Special" electrical grease prevents corrosion attack on all metal surfaces. Attack can come from battery acid, salt, moisture and various industrial chemical vapors in the environment. When this conductive paste is used on aluminum connectors in joints, NO-OX-ID "A-Special" prevents the reformation of oxide films, which cause high resistance and subsequent failures.
NO-OX-ID A-Special conductive grease is recommended by connector manufacturers for trouble-free joint connections. When nuts, mounting bolts, and cotter keys are coated with NO-OX-ID "A-Special", they will never rust or freeze assuring you easy, trouble-free removal. NO-OX-ID "A-Special" should be used wherever the formation of a corrosive product will effect the proper functioning of the metal surface. This electrical contact grease is easily applied, easily removed, and gives long lasting reliable performance even on dissimilar metals.
No-ox-id A-special comes in convenient 2oz jars.
This is an excellent flashlight grease that is non-toxic. It is even certified as being usable in meat & poultry plants! We have found it excellent in all the lights we've tested it on, from twisties to clickies, and it is one of the few greases available that is electrically conductive.
...just sayin'
NO-OX-ID "A-SPECIAL" is the electrical contact grease of choice for new electrical installations and maintenance. NO-OX-ID is an electrically conductive grease that keeps metals free from rust and corrosion. This electrically conductive grease which has been used in the power industry for over 65 years to prevent corrosion in electrical connectors from low micro-power electronics to high voltage switchgear. NO-OX-ID electrical grease prevents the formation of oxides, sulfides and other corrosion deposits on copper, aluminum, and steel surfaces and conductors.
The purpose of a electrical contact lubricant is to prevent corrosion and lubricate the connection for easier maintenance. NO-OX-ID "A-Special" electrical grease prevents corrosion attack on all metal surfaces. Attack can come from battery acid, salt, moisture and various industrial chemical vapors in the environment. When this conductive paste is used on aluminum connectors in joints, NO-OX-ID "A-Special" prevents the reformation of oxide films, which cause high resistance and subsequent failures.
NO-OX-ID A-Special conductive grease is recommended by connector manufacturers for trouble-free joint connections. When nuts, mounting bolts, and cotter keys are coated with NO-OX-ID "A-Special", they will never rust or freeze assuring you easy, trouble-free removal. NO-OX-ID "A-Special" should be used wherever the formation of a corrosive product will effect the proper functioning of the metal surface. This electrical contact grease is easily applied, easily removed, and gives long lasting reliable performance even on dissimilar metals.
No-ox-id A-special comes in convenient 2oz jars.
This is an excellent flashlight grease that is non-toxic. It is even certified as being usable in meat & poultry plants! We have found it excellent in all the lights we've tested it on, from twisties to clickies, and it is one of the few greases available that is electrically conductive.
...just sayin'
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
vze2sgxa
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
May 30, 2007 07:06 PM
