All I�d add is be wary of using multi-purpose silicone grease, it is NOT the same as dielectric grease and has completely different chemical and electrical properties. It�s good in certain applications and a hindrance in others.

Silicone grease is excellent for using on the connector seals, rubber boots, lubricating O-rings, spark plug caps, on the outside of HT leads etc. It is not advised to apply silicone grease directly to electrical contacts, especially small pins with low contact pressure, and never on switches or anywhere where arcing may occur as it breaks down to silicon carbide resulting in premature connector failure through corrosion.

A proper dielectric grease is the best/only option on contacts themselves. Contact surfaces aren�t flat, there are microscopic ridges and troughs all over their surfaces. Current flows across the ridges and corrosion builds up in the troughs over time. Dielectric grease forms a molecular layer filling the troughs, but allowing the current to pass between ridges. MP silicone grease forms thick layers which force the contact surfaces apart increasing resistance and reducing current flow. Silcone grease is particularly problematic on connectors that are already pitted through corrosion or have weakened through age and don�t fit tightly (like those in a used Tenere reg/rec would be).

Some dielectric greases are silicon based, but all have additives to inhibit the silicon carbide producing reaction (unlike MP silicone grease). A lot of the better dielectric greases are based on Phenyl ether polymers, rather than silicone, to completely eliminate the problem.


+1 It's the mutts nuts.

Don't mess about buying the 8g sachets, or 25g tubes, you pay the Earth for them. Get a 75g tube. It will last you a lifetime and will save you time, money and breakdowns in the long run.

http://www.boatlamps.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d330_Page_337.html

__________________