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Topic: Die electric grease? (Read 680 times) previous topic - next topic

Die electric grease?

Ok. When I replaced my two solenoids on the isolator panel 2 weeks ago, I cleaned all cables  real good and coated it all in die electric grease, then put it all back together. Had a no start engine today and when wiggling those cables at the solenoid, it started.
Question, does this grease not transfer electricity?
Should I have left everything dry, put it together and then greased everything?
Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #1 –
I have used die electric grease on all sorts of electrical connections and never had a issue.
Sounds like you just had a loose connection.
Alan Fink
Waupun, WI
2000 Blue Bird Wanderlodge  LX40
2018 F150 4x4
2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited  Rubicon JL

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #2 –
The metal to metal connection is what allows the electrons to move.

The dielectric grease reduces corrosion.  It is not there as a conductor.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dans96u295ft –
Should I have left everything dry, put it together and then greased everything?
Yes.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #5 –
The best thing I know to put on electrical contacts is CorrosionX.  It polar bonds to the bare metal molecules of the contact working around corrosion molecules, lubes the metal and prevents corrosion for some time to come.

The "Some" time is determined by how harse the environment is.  Inside an aluminum wing on a plane it lasts for 2 years.  In a below ground vaule on 440 vac contactors in downtown Chicago, it lasts 3 months.

If you spray the big contactor every 3 months, you do not have to replace the contactor due to corrosion.  CorrosionX has a 36,000 volt dialectric rating so the person spraying the 440 vac contactor can do so with it energized safely.

So in your motorhome, under the bed, you should be good for up to 2 years.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #6 –
Guys,

I have absolutely nothing against using dielectric grease on electrical contacts-- been doing that for years on our sailboats. Generally filled butt connectors with dielectric grease before making good mechanical connections.

BUT (yes, large BUT) the electrical connections need to be mechanically sound. No grease, even a conductive one takes the place of a good mechanical connection. 

And dielectric grease DOES keep out moisture and reduces corrosion. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #7 –
1.  Clean the connection components with DeoxIT

2.  Put them together dry

3.  Spray with CorrosionX

4.  ^.^d
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #8 –
Yep. Took everything back apart, cleaned, put back together dry and sprayed. Works now! I'll get the Deoxit and corrosion x . Learning the hard way. Wouldn't start on Luv's scales when I was weighing it! Had the scales all to myself for 2 hours! ha ha
Thanks much
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #10 –
But, with a  conductive grease, you have to be VERY CAREFUL as you can easily cause shorts across nearby terminals with the grease being the conductor.

OK for isolated areas like battery terminals, but NOT good for relays or other things with multiple connections in close proximity.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #11 –
Dielectric grease is an insulator. That seems counter intuitive for connections, but it is a strong deterrent to corrosion, and stray current paths.  The way it works, when it's put on a connection, the mechanical action of connection displaces the grease allowing conductivity.  Where the connection is not in firm mechanical contact, the dielectric grease insulates.  Great stuff where dampness is present. Not great if your connection isn't in good contact. 

The upshot of this, is you need a good mechanical connection if you're going to apply this silicone grease before making up your fitting.  One thing that can really help this is the Deoxit spray.  It seems to remove all impediments to conduction.  So, on a critical connection, spraying first with Deoxit, ,making up the connection, followed by the dielectric grease is a pretty solid way to go.  Some prefer to slather on dielectric grease before making connection, and this is usually ok as well.  As an alternative to Deoxit, a good solid mechanical cleaning works equally well. 




 



"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
This electrically conductive anti-corrosion grease works very well on terminal connections.
NO-OX-ID "A Special" Conductive Terminal Grease

It is a terminal grease.  Instructions say use a thin film layer.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #13 –
I'll never use it again on solenoids, batteries and battery type cable.  Put together dry and then spray is my new motto! Ha ha
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: dans96u295ft –
I'll never use it again on solenoids, batteries and battery type cable.  Put together dry and then spray is my new motto! Ha ha

make sure your connections are clean and tight........... then coat with a Dielectric grease to prevent corrosion and you will be good to go.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #15 –
Bad starter caused all this. Heat sink problem!
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Die electric grease?

Reply #16 –
Quote from: dans96u295ft –
Question, does this grease not transfer electricity?
Should I have left everything dry, put it together and then greased everything?
Thanks

Dielectric means insulate.

Yes.  It really doesn't matter what you use to water proof your terminals as long as the connection is clean and tight.
And there are no sparks.  That's where the wheels fall off the bus. Silicone grease is the waterproofing grease of choice because it doesn't contain carbon.  Regular greases in a sparky environment form carbon granules when you shoot electricity through them.  Silicone grease doesn't.
But best practice is a clean dry connection before you apply the waterproofing and to use a silicone grease.

FWIW in my toolroom at P.H. Precision Products Corp. the junior owner brought in some brand new Swiss tool holders and wanted me to drill and tap them for some "pointy set screws because the tools keep moving."
I waited until that department's foreman came in and gave him the lecture on the impossibility of squeezing the oil from the joint.  Followed by the lecture on cleaning everything "bone dry" with odor-less mineral spirits followed by naphta before assembly.  No more tool slippage.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.