It is often suggested that one clean the grounds, terminals, and the bulkhead connector on older cars when diagnosing or maintaining an electrical system. My query is what is the best way to do this? I figure the "scrape-it-with-a-flathead-screwdriver" method probably isn't the best, and I can't get a flathead screwdriver into the tiny terminals on the bulkhead connector. is there a solution or chemical product that can be used?

Thanks!

Cheap contact cleaners are useless; good ones are costly. Clean with Blue Shower or DeOxit; treat with Stabilant-22a.

Or you can just skip to the Stabilant step if the connectors aren't visibly dirty/corroded (and if they are, it's likely the terminals need replaced)

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks Dan!

+1 on the DeOxit. I've used that stuff on all my old stereo gear and it does wonders for crackling pots and intermittent power relays.

-James

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Once you get them clean, pack the bulkhead with dielectric grease. No oxegyn=no corrosion.

Good idea. Will do!

When cleaning up some of my connections , I bought an emery board , and cut it to fit in the terminals to clean them up some.



Dave

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81 Dodge D150
It looked easier in the book .

Reed,

Most reliable method would be to replace brass connections with new ones. Than you will know that the connection is clean, makes good contact, and won’t wiggle lose because it didn’t get deformed during a cleaning procedure. You will need to get the proper crimp tools if not at hand presently to do a good job.

Some of you here on the board may recall I replaced the wiring mess that came with my car when I purchased it. I did replace perhaps 40% of the conductors and 90% of the brass connectors that were not in like new condition, and have been rewarded with electrical reliability since May of 2008. Not bad considering after purchasing it, I drove the darn thing on to a trailer, and four hours & 200 miles later it was DOA in my driveway. Luckily the fire gods took pity on me that day, and all the electrons stayed in the battery…

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. I am just thinking about doing some preventative maintenance on my brother's 83 van and then looking ahead to the work I'll be doing on his 74 Duster that sat outside for several years. If new terminals are called for, then new terminals will be used.

"Borrow" one of your wife's fingernail emory boards that is about ready for the trash and trim it down to fit the internal surfaces of the terminals. For outside surfaces us a regular ol' pencil eraser - very slightly abrasive.

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

I dont like using an emory board. I feel that too much material can be removed from the contact. This can make for a sloppy connection. The pencil eraser trick is ok but anything more is too much. Im with Dan on the contact cleaners. WHEN IN DOUBT REPLACE IT.
Frank

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Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
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