Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Wire connector cleaner

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 11:32 PM
  #1  
da-bees's Avatar
da-bees
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 425
Likes: 4
Wire connector cleaner

There's a thread about keeping wire connectors clean by gearloose in the tech folder but there is disaggrement about products to use. I'd like to routinly clean connectors any time they are apart and undecided on what product to use. Deoxit D5 followed by Deoxit Shield is one that I've looked at. Anyone have a go to product for keeping connectors in good condition or is routine cleaning even nessary (I'm in Central Tx where it rains alot and humidity run's high but there's no salt on roads nor coastal salt air)? While we are on this subject,how much is enough and is there such thing as too much dielectric grease when it come's to electric plugs and wire connectors? Keep it civil,I get the feeling Max consider's grease a slippery subject.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 11:52 PM
  #2  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
I've used the DeOxit products for years, audio, automotive and motorcycle. On the F-350 I've used it on the connectors for the PCM, FICM, and every other major component connections where abrasion would not be a good idea. This is good stuff.

And I use dielectric grease and conductive grease, conductive on single point connectors. There have been a lot of discussions both auto and audio about the greases and deep in the weeds discussions have been that the dielectric grease is fine everywhere. These are guys that will spend tens of thousands of dollars on audio speaker cables, power cables and interconnect cable with more theory that will make a PHD's head spin.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 11:13 AM
  #3  
da-bees's Avatar
da-bees
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 425
Likes: 4
Thanks for the insight TMT. In the case of multi-pin connections,do you follow D5 with Shield,di-grease or both? By comparison,my wife's Dodge Caravan has soft rubber gaskets inside hard plastic connector sleeves that simply wiping with grease make's a nice water proof seal.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 12:00 PM
  #4  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
I don't go as nuts as I could (should?) as I typically have cleared with D5 then use dielectric. In my audio world, the guys typically go D5 then Shield.

However, there is a Caig products more based towards automotive that we used at the facility for vehicle test equipment and long term test field situations, and that is there 260 greases, we used L260 as that is what the electronic lab guys recommended. I never bought any personally as I've had a good supply of D5.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:19 PM
  #5  
Yahiko's Avatar
Yahiko
Fleet Owner
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
ACF-50 will do the job quite well.

Jack you might want to look into this.
Lear Chemical Research Corporation

And yes I have used this also. Most people don't have access to it
and that is the reason I don't post about it that much. I have a bottle
sitting on my shelf and I do reach for it a lot.



Sean <BR>

6.0L Tech Folder
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:30 PM
  #6  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
Thanks Sean. I always have respect for airframe stuff. But I've got enough DeOxit that will last me my lifetime.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 07:52 PM
  #7  
Yahiko's Avatar
Yahiko
Fleet Owner
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
I have a quart bottle of the ACF-50 stuff goes a LONG way.
It also is good for nuts and bolts.



Sean <BR>

6.0L Tech Folder
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 08:26 PM
  #8  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The .mil had a whole stable of cleaners and preservatives and CPCs "corrosion preventive compound". 1,1,1 Trichloroethane was commonly used, a non residue type solvent. Electronics grade CPC was a barium containing compound. DeOxit is good stuff for stereo and audio equipment, radio etc; it sure seems they changed the formulation a few years ago though. Part of the problem is that anything that is "safe" probably won't work very well and the "good stuff" will attack plastics.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 08:45 PM
  #9  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
They did change it, the newer stuff I would agree is not as good. I've not noticed it being a problem with connector plastics.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 09:04 PM
  #10  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
No, I mean the powerful non-residue type cleaners. Mostly banned or difficult to obtain so it's a moot point. DeOxit is mostly Naptha (lighter fluid) and a tiny bit of Oleic acid.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 10:10 PM
  #11  
da-bees's Avatar
da-bees
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 425
Likes: 4
What hasn't been watered down since EPA took up the big hammer? Gunk engine degreaser isn't near what it was once. I guess it's the price we pay when people don't have sense enough to use stuff per instructions. I recently visited a man who sniffed airplane glue and has lived with the mind of a 5 year old 50 years since.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2016 | 07:29 AM
  #12  
jsm180's Avatar
jsm180
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 110
From: Lakeland, Fl
I've been using ACF-50 on aircraft since the early 90's, have not found anything that works better. Boeshield T-9 and CorrosionX are similar products and work as well.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2016 | 07:45 AM
  #13  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
As I'm reading Lear's site they describe ACF-50 as a corrosion inhibitor, but not remover. Same with a review. So do you need to use something like DeOxit to clean off the corrosion first then this product displaces moisture and protects?
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2016 | 08:20 AM
  #14  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Basically yes, some type of petroleum based carrier solvent coupled with metallic "soaps" effective on dissolving and washing away corrosion. Corrosion inhibitors are bit of a different deal.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2016 | 08:35 AM
  #15  
jsm180's Avatar
jsm180
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 110
From: Lakeland, Fl
Corrosion on electrical connections in aircraft is only repaired by replacement on anything I work on. The key is to prevent the corrosion and the inhibitors do that well.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:04 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE