dielectric grease conductant or not WAS:FW: 90q missing on cy l 5...con't.

[urq]

... sorry, but I must beg to differ ... dielectric grease is an insulator
... it contains nothing to help electrical connections.  Given that you get
metal to metal contact in a connector, dielectric grease will not affect the
connection.  If you put dielectric grease on a new connector I do agree that
the grease can help to prevent corrosion, but if you are talking about a
connector that is already somewhat oxidized the dielectric grease isn't
going to help anything ... AAMOF, I can see that in the case of a poor
contact, applying heat from a poor, high current connection might even cause
problems with cooking of the grease.  Note that I don't have any
documentation showing this will happen ... just thinking out loud ...

Don't get me wrong ... I am also a big supporter of dielectric grease ... I
just want to make sure that everyone understands what it does and what it
does not do.  If you have a situation where contacts have been compromised
you really should seriously consider using a contact enhancer to recover the
contacts ... and if it makes sense use dielectric grease to ensure that the
contact does not get too much further contamination.  Just like dielectric
grease does not improve the contacts, contact enhancer doesn't do too much
in the way of sealing.  Perhaps Caig's "cailube" might actually serve both
purposes.  If you are talking about screwed down lugs or battery terminals
... especially clean connections, dielectric grease should be sufficient.
Contact enhancer is primarily used for connectors which have some sort of
quick connect/disconnect.

I have not sprung for the Stabilant stuff, but given how little is needed,
the expense is not really that high.

HTH!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)

> Bingo!  Exactly correct.  Not on a make or break, but
> excellent for everything else.  Huw and I seem to be
> it's greatest trumpeters.  I rountinely pressure wash
> my engine compartment with no fear.  Trust me, it's
> MUCH easier to see potential problems if your engines
> not covered in crap.  Both previous Audis I've bought
> required a day with the pressure washer, boiling water
> and degreasing solution just to see the components.
>
> > My understanding on dielectric grease, as explained
> > to me by dad who is an
> > electrician, is that it enhances conductivity at
> > contact points, and is
> > non-conductive otherwise.  It should not be used on
> > switches because it will
> > increase sparking (and accelerate breakdown of the
> > switch) everytime the
> > switch opens and closes. On the other hand, it is
> > ideal for assuring
> > positive contact at wire attachment points (battery,
> > alternator, grounds,
> > plugs, etc)