Brown sticky electrical grease

Anyone know the reason for the brown sticky grease used in light bulb connectors of our cars. Also used on fuse box conectors. Is it for conductive reasons or to waterproof the socket or both. What is it made of? Silicone or petroleum based? Anyone know a source? I found some sodering grease that looks very similair.

 

It's to keep out corrosion. If you clean it out and reassemble you'll see everything turn green in a year.

The new stuff is clear and that's what I use. No need to be factory exact since it's more for subtance than show.

 

Dielectric grease. Non-conductor, protects electrical components from the elements.

 

I actually like the brown stuff because it lasts forever and sockets that had enough in it never rusted. I have my doubts bout the new clear stuff. Looks like not much more than vaseline to me. I doubt it could as water resistant as the old stuff. Mybe I can rob a dab from a new engine wiring harness. They come with the brown stuff.

 

This is just my take on dielectric grease, "use with caution". The very name causes me concern. I searched the net and this is the first thing in the list of hits, anyone who uses the stuff should know some of the info.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dielectric-grease.htm

 

Do not use soldering flux/paste on any part of your electrical system! Soldering paste is an acid and is only used to clean surfaces prior to soldering them. If used on electrical components they will corrode very quickly and over a bit of time the metal will actually dissolve.

 

The new cars come with the clear stuff in many places such as sensors. I had to add some to a new temp sensor on the Caprice because we were getting a bad signal when it was damp out. Once I threw some grease in there it's been perfect ever since. Of course now I jinxed myself so there's that to take into consideration :laugh:

 

Tom, The stuff I found is pretty old and is a brown sticky stuff. Does not look like it would do a very good job cleaning. Came in small can and it is at friends house so I cannot read exactly waht it says on it now.

 

I think that stuff was actually light tan in color before it became brown from exposure to the elements/air. I've pulled some taillight bulbs and the stuff in the socket itself was light colored, and stringy/greasy still. Towards the outer edge of the bulb socket it was darker brown and stickier, less stringy, more hardened, i guess. It definitely stops corrosion. When you find out what it is let me know, will ya?

 

Been using this stuff for 25 years or so in the fleet repair business. It is a medium brown color and used for corrosion control. It will not conduct so one needs to be careful. If you slop it on batteryposts and then install the cables you are creating a situation which may interfere with the connection. But if you install the cables and then top coat for corrosion protection that is OK. Ok to use in bulb sockets and non-critical connections though.

Truck-lite corp.
310 E. Elmwood Ave
Falconer NY 14733
716-665-6214

NYK Corrosion Preventative Compound Part #97940

Comes in a small tub, nice size for casual use in the garage. Hope this helps,
Tom Mooney

 

Tom, You are the best. Thanks

 

It is listed in Truk-lites on line catalog under accessories. Different size options. This stuff is real important to keep water from ruining bulb sockets that can get wet from rain/washing etc.

 

Link:
http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wc...10001&storeId=10001&productId=23656&langId=-1

Avail via eBay. $7.95 for 2 oz, free shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Truc...28?pt=Other_Vehicle_Parts&hash=item3f0aa69b40

I'll be keeping an eye out for the stuff when I visit local stores. :TU:

 

I ordered some from www.anythingtruck.com $5.80 for an 8 oz can. More than I can probaly use the rest of my life.

 

Glad to have been of some help. Have a good one!

 

Thanks Tom, I am glad I did not use the other crap.

 

Thanks to both Toms.:bglasses: