In the past I would pull off any push on connectors, give a squirt of contact cleaner and reconnect ( about every couple of years). I never touched the main ecu though. I would only do this with the ignition off. As electrics have progressed I am now no longer sure if this practise is safe/wise. What do you think ? Please ignore the car selected only I could not post till the boxes were filled in (the computer says no!).
Computer says yes and re-classified w/o make and model details
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 30/11/2007 at 18:37
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I wouldnt.
lots of risks, so if you dont have a problem dont create them.
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ive used contact cleaner for years or actually i should say did
why?
because the last time i used it on a sony radio the radio disintegrated literally in front of my eyes
so
keep contact cleaner to old type pots on proper wirelesses only is my advice
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Carl
Specify which "contact cleaner" that you mean?
I keep four different ones and the spray wash to remove them once they've done their job. Most wouldn't be a good idea to leave in a joint.
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Ok on an old 65 Mini.
Modern cars, best to leave well alone I think. Only exception I made on my current vehicle was to put a little WD 40 on the very exposed (open)Rad fan connectors. I`m still not sure about that, but there`s no way i would spray inside the fuse box or any other connectors.
I can see where you`re coming from though, because I had a very well cared for Mini in the 60`s and it failed to start once due to a green substance inside a coil/contact breaker connector.
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If it works, don't fix it. I do spray liberally with WD-40 after a (rare) engine bay wash, but only on the outside of the connectors. I can't remember one failing, even in the bad old spade connector days, so don't want to tempt fate by dismantling.
Edited by J Bonington Jagworth on 30/11/2007 at 20:46
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I'm not quite sure what 'contact' cleaner is.
For cleaning connectors on cars I would not use anything other than IPA (iso propyl alcohol or, iso propanol).
WD 40 is a water dispersant and leaves a residue film. Whilst it MIGHT evaporate eventually, in high current situations the residue can cause arcing.
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Liberal amounts of ACF 50 applied to the electrics on my bikes.
It forms a film, kills rust, is safe on rubber and plastic and has very good 'creep' properties apparently.
However unlike WD40 it is NOT a water dispersant AFAIK. So make sure anything it's applied to is dry.
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Servisol super 10, switch cleaning lubricant. Purchased from a radio repair shop. Excuse my lack of computer skills (kids were all out so had to struggle on my own. Noticed my spelling,s not to great either).
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Carl
That seems odd stuff? If it can remove tarnish from contacts, then it must be corrosive is some form - and then it says that it leaves a protective residue.....
The various ones that I use come as two separate components - quite how they combine to two without seriously compromising the efficacy of either is beyond me.
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Not thought about it but you do have a point. Which cleaner / lubes do you use ?
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They're made by a little company called Wurth. Trade-only use; they'll take the skin off your hands.
Very effective against the usual salt-corroded connexions found on cars.
I'm also a big fan of soaking the entire engine bay and all electrical connector blocks with WD40 every autumn. And I really mean soaking - until it drips off everywhere.
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