Dielectric grease. Video on what its used for and how to apply it properly to spark plugs / wires.

[whitehot1]

I know a lot of folks use it but do you use and apply it properly when you do?

 

[S10xGN]

Hmmm. I know it's not the same thing, but I use a bunch of this stuff on all my outdoor plugs (like Christmas lights) and they all work fine. I mainly do it because they lay in the grass and are on a GFI breaker. Use it more as a sealant to keep the rain out than an insulator...

 

[John Larkin]

And use antiseize on the threads please.

 

[BEATAV8]

Good info

 

[Jerryl]

Looks like I have incorrectly used dielectric grease for years on plug connections, so will share my thoughts ;

-What makes the spark jump through the insulator? Higher resistance at the gap and/or poor electrical connection at the plug. (Poor connections seem to occur more often with cheap wires. )
-What causes high resistance at the connection? Poor mechanical connection and/or oxidation.
-What causes poor mechanical connection? Cheap or worn our connectors.
-What causes oxidation? Oxygen and moisture from the atmosphere interacting with the metal.
-How can we keep moisture and oxygen from attacking the electrical connection? Dielectric grease.
-A good, mechanical fit between the male and female parts of the electrical connection will displace the grease at the point of contact.

 

[Pronto]

These guys are slathering it on.

I have always used a Qtip to smear it in the boots. Also used it on the electrical connections like the O2 and Weatherpaks so they will separate easier. Never was overly generous with it but never panicked if it got on the metal. I agree with Jerryl, if the connection is good friction fit, there should be good electrical flow.

 

[turbojd]

Great info, guess I've been using it wrong all these years on the sparkplug wires. I

 

[SPOOLFOOL2]

Hmmm.
Whether putting in on coil pack or spark plug terminals, or most any other metal to metal electrical connection, I put it on everything. I live less than a mile from the beach. I will continue to do so until someone can show me a reason not to. Also on the cars we run at Bonneville, this stuff is your friend.

Please post up any reason or data on why not to use di-electric grease on electrical connections.

Great discussion. We are all here to learn.

Mike B.

 

[SPOOLFOOL2]

For all those who watched the video in post #1, I give you this video in post #10
This is open for discussion. Once again, we are all here to learn.

 

[achalmersman]

I agree with jerryl and spoolfool. I have always used dielectric to displace moisture/ prevent corrosion and oxidation.

There are lots of GM bulletins instructing techs to use dielectric grease on terminals exactly as video in post 1 says not to do. Since I've never had a problem using it as prescribed by GM, I will continue to do so.

Also, many manufactures recommend against using lubricant on spark plug threads. They should be torqued to spec with a torque wrench.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[LC2 ROD]

GM recommends applying dielectric silicone grease to sparkplug boots, dielectric silicone grease is an insulator,
Not recommended for electrical connectors.
GM highly recommends dielectric lubricant (not silicone grease) in electrical terminal connectors.
These are two completely different products used for different applications.
Dielectric silicone grease GM part #12345579.
Dielectric lubricant GM part #12377900.
I use both of these on a regular basis.

 

[IrvJr]

Use dielectric grease on the outside of your spark plug boots to give it the show car quality shine, also it protects the boot from breaking down from the heat.

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

Use dielectric grease on the outside of your spark plug boots to give it the show car quality shine, also it protects the boot from breaking down from the heat.

Never heard of that one. Does it work well on other rubber too?

 

[IrvJr]

Yep, try it on your tire tread.

 

[forzfed]

I use the dielectric GM lubricant like LC2 Rod posted. Here is another interesting link.
https://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm

 

[GNRick]

So what is the black goop that the factory used on our relays?

 

[TURBOELKY]

Man I squirt that shit on everything. No wonder when I start my car I get zapped by the ignition key....