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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
        
(Message started by: MouthOfTheUmber on May 23^rd, 2012, 10:08pm)

Title: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by MouthOfTheUmber on May 23^rd, 2012, 10:08pm

I'm aware of the problems with water, keeping drainage holes clear and making sure THAT cover is fitted.

But I'd like to know the best or a recommended way of internal water deterant.

Some time ago my Ultima 2.3 auto was working well, but the cruise control andheated seats didn't work.

I assumed corrosion on fues etc. So I removed each fuse, sprayed WD40 into the slots and smeared petroleum jelly over the fuse blades.

Afterwards the car started, but the wipers, indicators and headlights refused to work ???

I didn't know that WD40 or petroleum jelly conducted electricity :-/

What can I use to make sure corrosion doesn't start affecting the electrics around the fusebox ?

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by gozz on May 23^rd, 2012, 10:15pm

It may seem a bit of an old chestnut,did you remove that big multiplug at the front of the main fusebox ? they are very easily refitted one row out of line.

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by Simmo on May 24^th, 2012, 6:34am

on 05/23/12 at 22:15:29, gozz wrote:

It may seem a bit of an old chestnut,did you remove that big multiplug at the front of the main fusebox ? they are very easily refitted one row out of line.

As Gozz,quite rightly, says locating this plug is tricky. That's why there is a post Here (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=admin;action=display;num=1267895931) which shows the detail of the locating pegs. The fault you have is a classic of this situation. The saying has long been around on here "If it goes on first time it ain't on right" ! ;D

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by MouthOfTheUmber on May 24^th, 2012, 8:19am

I'm fully aware of that multi-pin plug ! ! !

What I'm asking about is the best way of preventing moisture/condensation within the fusebox.

Which agents are best ?

Are they conductors, will they create shorts ?

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by gozz on May 24^th, 2012, 8:55am

Grease and oil are non conductors of electricity and are in fact used as insulators in certain electrical equipment.It is not usual for fuse boxes to corrode to the point of failure if kept dry.In almost all cases of ver'digris,the equipment has been wet.
So you are saying that you did not remove the big multiplug ?

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by MouthOfTheUmber on May 24^th, 2012, 10:16am

The two round pins at the bottom/back of the big multi-pin connector go underneath the two lugs. I've checked and double checked these every time I ever remove that connector.

There must have been something else.

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by MouthOfTheUmber on May 24^th, 2012, 10:35am

Verdigris can occur because of the dissimilar metals used between fuse and contact for example. It can also be cause by the electrical current flowing through it.

Condensation can also occur from weather/temperature changes etc. You do not need much water to start corrosion - condensation is sufficient - and with electrical current and dissimilar metals it is likely to occur.

All of which is why I like to apply petroleum jelly or WD40

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by Mike H on May 24^th, 2012, 2:46pm

on 05/23/12 at 22:08:58, MouthOfTheUmber wrote:

I didn't know that WD40 or petroleum jelly conducted electricity :-/

They don't, but the metal-to-metal contacts must be tight and clean. I would've thought pulling them out and putting in again a couple of times would get a good contact back, but not if they're loose. (?)

Quote:

What can I use to make sure corrosion doesn't start affecting the electrics around the fusebox ?

Personally, same was wot you did. Give my boxes a very occasional soak in WD40.

Title: Re: Fuseboxes - Internal Waterproofing
Post by Mike H on May 24^th, 2012, 2:49pm

Appendix ~ my dad thought petroleum jelly was conductive as well, and used it while fitting on battery terminals with that in mind ;D

Until he found out it wasn't.