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Tech Question
Eric Hufstedler, Pasadena, CA , 1974 Plymouth Valiant 318
Is using a dielectric grease (an insulator...) on electrical connetcors a bad thing in any way? For example, could it ever prevent a connection by not getting out of the way of the contact area?
On a similar note, I just bought an ignition switch, and all the terminals and "rivets" are nicely crimped. Should I touch them up with solder?
Thanks! , Eric
Eric-
Grease on electrical connectors is an excellent idea, in fact, it's one the factory went to in the mid-'70s - in a big way - as a method of improving reliabiity (greatly reduced oxidation) before they finally went to O-ring sealed connectors. If there's not enough contact pressure, the connection will fail, with or without grease.
Silicone grease is best (no water solubility), but even Vaseline is better than nothing. The factory used what appeared to be the cheapest grade of petroleum-based brown "cup grease".
On the ignition switch, the solder is probably OK, but, overall, I think I'd advise against it for a few reasons:
- On your intergral-harness '70-up switch, you'll certainly loosen the crimp between the lugs and the vinyl wire insulation.
- You may cook the grease off the wiper contacts.
- If the plastic insulator isn't the OEM high-temp bakelite, you may loosen the terminals in the housing.
Rick
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