Dielectric Grease ???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 572
Likes: 28
From: Volo, Illinois
Dielectric Grease ???
I started to clean the grounds on the engine bay the two on top of each frame rails. The front ones behind the headlamp is connector style has male and female connector housing . I put in dielectric grease inside the female connector generous amount and on the male connector pins in the mating pins and sockets . I just read about Dielectric grease on the internet :The grease does not conduct electricity, so it shouldn’t be applied directly to the mating surfaces (pins and sockets) of an electrical connection. Stupid me, didn't read the instructions.But I didnt see this writing on the dielectric grease tube anywhere. Do I need to clean and remove the dielectric grease from inside of the connector and male connector pins or is it ok if i leave it in ?
Last edited by 1997 C5; Apr 8, 2020 at 12:50 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,663
Likes: 1,387
From: Orange County, CA
I wouldn't worry about it.
Here's one way to look at it: when a connector is pushed together, the pin and socket slide together (assuming one is spring loaded) and make contact. That action ought to clear up the dielectric grease as needed, at least enough that there will be direct metal-to-metal contact.
As well, if there was air between the pin & socket because they weren't making contact, you wouldn't get a connection anyways (air is an insulator just like dielectric grease).
Here's one way to look at it: when a connector is pushed together, the pin and socket slide together (assuming one is spring loaded) and make contact. That action ought to clear up the dielectric grease as needed, at least enough that there will be direct metal-to-metal contact.
As well, if there was air between the pin & socket because they weren't making contact, you wouldn't get a connection anyways (air is an insulator just like dielectric grease).
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
I have used dielectric grease for more than 20 years, including on every ground and every connector, male and female that I have to disconnect for any reason. I did all grounds on my C5 almost ten years ago coating every part of them with dielectric grease before reassembly. If you read the product instructions on the tube, it says to coat the CONTACTS- which means the parts of the connection that transmit electricity. The connection still does transmit electricity when all coated then connected, but it is also protected from corrosion by the dielectric grease. A simple test with an ohmmeter will show no change in ability to transmit electricity after coating before assembly with dielectric grease.
An uncoated connection will corrode much sooner than a coated connection. Make sure the connection parts are completely clean bare metal, coat and reassemble.
My 35 year old F-250 came from the factory with dielectric grease in the turn signal bulb sockets, it is still there and working today.
An uncoated connection will corrode much sooner than a coated connection. Make sure the connection parts are completely clean bare metal, coat and reassemble.
My 35 year old F-250 came from the factory with dielectric grease in the turn signal bulb sockets, it is still there and working today.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 572
Likes: 28
From: Volo, Illinois
I have used dielectric grease for more than 20 years, including on every ground and every connector, male and female that I have to disconnect for any reason. I did all grounds on my C5 almost ten years ago coating every part of them with dielectric grease before reassembly. If you read the product instructions on the tube, it says to coat the CONTACTS- which means the parts of the connection that transmit electricity. The connection still does transmit electricity when all coated then connected, but it is also protected from corrosion by the dielectric grease. A simple test with an ohmmeter will show no change in ability to transmit electricity after coating before assembly with dielectric grease.
An uncoated connection will corrode much sooner than a coated connection. Make sure the connection parts are completely clean bare metal, coat and reassemble.
My 35 year old F-250 came from the factory with dielectric grease in the turn signal bulb sockets, it is still there and working today.
An uncoated connection will corrode much sooner than a coated connection. Make sure the connection parts are completely clean bare metal, coat and reassemble.
My 35 year old F-250 came from the factory with dielectric grease in the turn signal bulb sockets, it is still there and working today.
I sprayed down with corrosion x inside the contacts and male side of the pins applied dielectric grease. I did skim through the dielectric tube before I used it it didn't say anything about not to apply to connector pins etc.'ll take a another look at the tube to see what it says. I saw a quick video on youtube on how to use dielectric grease it showed not to use it on connector contacts.
Last edited by 1997 C5; Apr 9, 2020 at 11:21 AM. Reason: add addt'l info
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: West Virginia
Just use Vaseline - it does the job and conducts. I always use it on electrical connections, especially useful on the "old" sealed beams which otherwise get very tight (corrosion) over time. Never had an issue.
It definitely helps the male part of the connector to slide in more easily.....
It definitely helps the male part of the connector to slide in more easily.....
Last edited by jackthelad; Apr 9, 2020 at 04:06 PM.
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Shouldn't have any worries. Been using dielectric grease in spray form for years, mainly to keep weather stripping in good order on the Vette, doors, trunk, and especially targa tops.