Eurolight conversion adaptations [dialectric grease]

no1of consequence iin10ded at hotmail.com
Tue Dec 23 02:39:50 EST 2003


i figured i'd chime in here as i just learned a new thing or 2 about the 
fundamentals of dialectric goo from someone who posted to the ducati list a 
few weeks ago [you think audi electricals suck?]. he  is an electrical 
engineer that does power station work and connects electrical doodads for a 
living.

according to this guy the proper use of dialectric 'grease' [a bit of a 
misnomer] is to apply it  before a mechanical connection is made to the 
mating surfaces of the connectors. because of the very low shear stregnth of 
the dialectric 'grease', which is a very diferent characteristic from most 
other kinds of grease, it is designed to smush out of the connection and 
forms a micro-thin seal at the edges of the connection between the mating 
surfaces to keep out moisture, maximise conductivity, etc.

i had always assumed that the idea was to make a goop sandwich out of the 
connecting surfaces, or to slather the connector in the hopes of 
siliconing-out any chances of moisture penetrating. using it more like 
bathroom caulk than a connection enhancer.  its really just to keep moisture 
and air out of the metal-to-metal connection on a micro-level. i use a dab 
every time i connect things volted.

-jim

<<But from other hand, if the grease works as sealant and is supposed to be
applied on top after mechanical connection is
established, one will have to use solvent to clean contacts each time he
disconnect terminals, before re-connecting.  Could be
very annoying unless the contacts are guaranteed to be splashed over - then 
it
make sense.
No questions about the usage on spark plug rubber boots.>>

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