Dielectric grease
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,924
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From: Atlanta - - - - - Save the manuals
Dielectric grease
I have a questions about Dielectric grease use. I have always put it on the rubber gaskets or bodies of my electrical connections. My buddy says that is wrong, you should put a little everywhere and the connectors will clean it off to make contact.
Comments please. How and when do you use it and have you ever seen a problem because of it ? What is the proper application technique. (This question can up because of a thread I was reading about the cleaning of the ECM connections? )
Comments please. How and when do you use it and have you ever seen a problem because of it ? What is the proper application technique. (This question can up because of a thread I was reading about the cleaning of the ECM connections? )
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 792
Likes: 127
From: Dallas Texas
"Dielectric grease can be used in between electrical connections, but only those utilizing low-current. All dielectric greases both improve insulation and preserve electrical connections. They also seal insulators, keeping moisture and contaminants out of insulation. They are as effective at preserving connections as "conductive" grease, and will not harm insulation (ie rubber gaskets). Since dielectric grease is electrically insulating, it does not break down when high voltage is applied. It is often applied to electrical connectors, particularly those containing rubber gaskets, as a means of lubricating and sealing rubber portions of the connector without arcing."
I use it on spark plugs, bulbs, and other med & low voltage applications that need constant contact but also need insulation.
As for the ECM:
"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." Basically, apply it to the plastic housing of the wires, but not the wire contacts themselves.
I use it on spark plugs, bulbs, and other med & low voltage applications that need constant contact but also need insulation.
As for the ECM:
"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." Basically, apply it to the plastic housing of the wires, but not the wire contacts themselves.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 1,386
From: SC
If the electrical contact pressure is high enough, they will "break through" the grease and make acceptable contact. If the connections are very small and low voltage, it's best to keep the grease off them.
