Getting some tar like stuff out
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Getting some tar like stuff out
Hi,
I'm troubleshooting an electrical problem with my headlights on a my Fiero.
Im getting the partial shirt isolated, but there are 3 relays involved. Someone before me tried to seal them up with some black, tar like stuff. Stuff oozed into the connection area, although it doesn't seem to be blocking any connections.
The goo stays pretty soft, and I didn't have any problem getting it off of my hands. However, I'd like to clean the relays out, put some dielectric grease around the sockets to keep out moisture, and maybe use ty raps to keep the sockets from vibrating loose.
Any ideas about how to clean this crud out? I can probably use toothpicks, but I'd really like to find some cleaner that won't bother the plastic or anything else. I think that the goo is petroleum based.
Thanks,
I'm troubleshooting an electrical problem with my headlights on a my Fiero.
Im getting the partial shirt isolated, but there are 3 relays involved. Someone before me tried to seal them up with some black, tar like stuff. Stuff oozed into the connection area, although it doesn't seem to be blocking any connections.
The goo stays pretty soft, and I didn't have any problem getting it off of my hands. However, I'd like to clean the relays out, put some dielectric grease around the sockets to keep out moisture, and maybe use ty raps to keep the sockets from vibrating loose.
Any ideas about how to clean this crud out? I can probably use toothpicks, but I'd really like to find some cleaner that won't bother the plastic or anything else. I think that the goo is petroleum based.
Thanks,
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 103
From: Staten Island, NY
It sounds like the stuff they sell in rolls to patch flashing on your roof. Don't ask me how I know. Mineral spirits should do an OK job disolving it, probably wont damage anything that is designed for under-hood use and you can buy a quart can at the hardware store for a couple of bucks.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 54
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From: Owego, NY
It sounds like the stuff they sell in rolls to patch flashing on your roof. Don't ask me how I know. Mineral spirits should do an OK job disolving it, probably wont damage anything that is designed for under-hood use and you can buy a quart can at the hardware store for a couple of bucks.
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
I did the WD-40 /contact cleaner trick. Worked pretty good, especially since I just did a couple of relays.
I'm sure that mineral spirits would work better, but they are somewhat of a pita (pain ...) to work with in my opinion --- fumes, hard on the hands, etc. At least that's my opinion.
Thanks again for all of the comments,
hj
I'm sure that mineral spirits would work better, but they are somewhat of a pita (pain ...) to work with in my opinion --- fumes, hard on the hands, etc. At least that's my opinion.
Thanks again for all of the comments,
hj