Ford Scorpio Forum (https://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Greasing electrical connections - 24V Scorpio
(Message started by: david_molloy on Nov 20th, 2005, 10:50pm)

Title: Greasing electrical connections - 24V Scorpio
Post by david_molloy on Nov 20th, 2005, 10:50pm
Hello All

Previously posted on mailing list but didn't generate many responses.

> Not been frivolous & would appreciate any opinions / comments / experience.
>
> Cannot find it now! but somewhere on site there is mention of major electical connections been filled with special grease - myogel 760A presumably to prevent / minimise corrosion & resultant poor electrical contact.
>
> If the above is correct then why not use it in the fuse box on fuses &  relays to do the same job in a better shielded environment. Seems to be too easy - I am wary about doing it hence my posting.
>
> Taking it a step further if it is beneficial for complex & fine electrical connections why not use it on all electrical connections; as even if no benefit at least there should be no harm
>
> I,m sure some electrical expert / boffin ( not been derogatory ) can clarify.
>
> So.... any comments

From my viewing of site it appears that electrical problems can be the culprit in a lot of cases.

I,m no expert but using myogel where ever possible may prevent / slow down onset of problems. However, I have no idea of cost of myogel as if a fortune then obvious problem there

Any electrical specialists care to comment.

Found this on net just before posting on Volvo site

> Dielectric vs. Conductive Grease to Protect Connectors and Grounds. [Query:]  You have repeatedly recommended the application of dielectric grease to underhood wire connections. Isn't the insulating property of such grease counter to the goal of IMPROVING the integrity of electrical connections? I would think that a conductive paste (such as Eastwood's Kopr-Shield) would be better. The only potential downside I can think of is that sloppy application could cause short circuits, but care and common sense should preclude this. [Response:] This is a good question and one that I have received several times. Yes, it is true that the dielectric grease is non-conductive. However, in the context of connections that carry voltages larger than 1 volt, the grease will not result in a bad connection. The male and female connectors will wipe enough of the grease off at the mating surface so that the
> electricity will flow just fine. The important part is that there is no chance of the grease creating a conductive path between adjacent terminals in a multi-terminal connector. The main purpose of the grease is to seal the terminals against oxidation which creates a high resistance barrier and  moisture and dirt which can result in shorts and ground paths. CAUTION: DO NOT do this to any SRS/Airbag/Seatbelt connectors: these are all gold-plated and
do not oxidize. If they get dirty from spilled drinks, etc., just clean them with a no-residue cleaner.
It is important to note that on all Volvos, the Oxygen sensor signal lead carries a very low voltage (0.2v - 0.8v) and the dielectric grease must NOT be used on this lead as it will interfere with the signal voltage.
>
> For the GROUND connections - especially those in the engine compartment where the ground leads are fastened to aluminum surfaces like the intake manifold, I recommend using one of the conductive greases like OxGuard. These are found at
electrical supply houses and are typically used by electricians to treat the end of aluminum electrical cables to prevent the very high resistance aluminum oxide from forming at connections - this was a common cause of house fires.
>The same high resistance oxide plays havoc with engine management system signal voltages. You can eliminate the problem by cleaning the aluminum surfaces and treating with the conductive grease. Also note that many of the spade type crimp on terminals that are available are made of aluminum. It is very difficult to find copper ones. [Note: see also the note on greasing
connectors under Engine Tune, Performance.] DON'T use OxGuard on engine or chassis electrical connectors or sensors.

Looks like not a black & white solution if above is correct

David

Title: Re: Greasing electrical connections - 24V Scorpio
Post by Pegasus on Nov 21st, 2005, 9:27pm
Hi Dave,
can't comment on the electrical info but:

Nyogel now called Contact grease (Ford) FINIS no 1122540, £9 from Ford Parts UK.

Paul

Title: Re: Greasing electrical connections - 24V Scorpio
Post by howiedintheplace on Nov 22nd, 2005, 12:51am
Be careful some grease is conductive but not the ones mentioned & I would guess a spray would be better than a tube for the fuse box.
Maplin use to do a good spray that would protect connections etc
Better still make sure the box is water tight & all the covers are fitted then you don't have to mess with it at all ;)

Title: Re: Greasing electrical connections - 24V Scorpio
Post by david_molloy on Nov 23rd, 2005, 7:54pm
Thanks for responses, it's reassuring when you're a newcomer to Scorpio's

Pegasus

Called at different FMD today & "partsman" practically said what you did so I got a tube.  Reassuring to pick up your posting just now. Thanks again

Howiedintheplace

Flagged up greasing fuse box on off chance someone had done so.
I take your point about lid been watertight.
But if it's vital to shield battery & fuse box at LHS why not other fuse box at RHS. Looks like too omission to me - cr*ppy design
My "D" redg Sierra 2.0EFI Auto has a single RHS fuse box with similar type lid to Scorpio. However it is also covered by "pac-a-mac" floppy cover, which although it looks a bit "naff" actually does the job of keeping water away from the box - lid joint. so no chance of water even getting on joint.
Thought about trying shower cap over RHS fuse box to see what it fits like as easy option otherwise will have to fabricate some sort of cover.
Thanks again




Ford Scorpio Forum » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.