[ARC5] Lubing Connetors- Round 2

[CRFandt]

On 4/6/2014 5:04 PM, CRFandt wrote:
> Hi John and all,
>
> <snip
> Nyogel is made using a synthetic base oil (which is Polyalphaolefin 
> -same as the pure synthetic motor oils used in motor vehicle engines), 
> a fused silica thickener and some proprietary copper antioxidants. 
> "Silica!!!",  you say, "....that's sand!!" Yes, but the particle size 
> of fused silica is very tiny. The silicone oxide and dioxide particles 
> measure in the nanometer size and will not be abrasive to any 
> connector, even gold. It falls between the asperities (microscopic 
> bumps and striations) found on the contact surfaces of a pin or socket.
>
> I very strongly suspect the well respected liquid material, "DeOxit", 
> which is meant for switches and connectors, is simply just a 
> Polyalphaolefin with some sort of secret antioxidants added.
>
> Delphi, who is a major automotive connector manufacturer, strongly 
> recommends the Nyogel 760G in place of any other grease-like material 
> to be used with any of their connectors. Virtually all the other 
> automotive connector manufacturers use virtually the same materials. 
> Our electronic connectors found in our old and new equipment are much 
> the same except many do not need to use silicone elastomer sealing 
> systems because of the generally less harsh (damp, wet) environment 
> they live in. Old WWII vintage mil gear will have some of the 
> rubber-based seals and this stuff will be safe with them.
>
> Silicone oil-based greases should be strongly and firmly avoided 
> because some types of silicone oils are not compatible with connector 
> seals and other materials of which connectors are constructed. Plus 
> the surrounding components which may get into contact with silicone 
> may be affected.
>
> The so-called dielectric grease one can buy from their local auto 
> parts store is usually a silicone oil-based material and can be used 
> on _some_ non-silicone elastomer materials found in high-tension 
> ignition components. Silicone oils and greases are very hydrophobic, 
> thus the popular usage in ignition systems.
>
> Silicone oil also presents an often significant problem in which it 
> migrates over time thus contaminating areas which must be kept clean 
> for painting, dust free or other reasons. I just ban it from being 
> present _anywhere near_ my radios and other electronics and I insist 
> the same be done in our dealer network worldwide.
>
> Petroleum oil-based lubricants, such as Lubriplate ES-DS which is 
> touted as an electrical lubricant, will be a problem for older, 
> natural rubber-based seals and components in our older mil connectors 
> and other old components. It will also varnish out over time. That 
> means the lighter volatiles will evaporate away eventually and leave a 
> sticky, gooey mess. Sometimes it leaves a hard residue which is mostly 
> just the paraffin filler left behind. You've seen this on old 
> mechanical devices which have not been cleaned/re-lubed in many 
> decades such as geared dial drives in our beloved boatanchors for 
> example. I use Nyogel on every auto radio restoration I do.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>    -Chris F.
>
>
>
> On 4/4/2014 8:51 AM, J. Forster wrote:
>> I've had several suggestions to use a silicone grease. I'm not so sure.
>>
>> Consider where a connector can bind up:
>>
>> The outer Acme [square] thread - silicone grease or perhaps Lubriplate
>> would be fine here, IMO. In fact I've cleaned something greasy off old
>> connectors, especially those with a fine thread, like MS. I'm good w/
>> this.
>>
>> The mating shells - There is usually enough clearance so binding is 
>> not an
>> issue. ie: Don't use bent/deformed connectors.
>>
>> The pins & sockets- This is the crux of the matter, IMO. I'm loath to 
>> use
>> silicone grease here, because this is current-carrying hardware. I'm
>> concerned that the silicone grease will impair the conductivity of the
>> connection and, if so, silicone grease is very hard to remove.
>>
>> For the last issue, what do people think of tuner cleaner/lube? It is
>> basically mineral oil and a solvent as a thinner. Worst case, it can be
>> removed pretty easily.
>>
>> -John
>>
>> =================
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>> On Apr 3, 2014, at 8:32 PM, "J. Forster" <jfor at quikus.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Does anybody lube connetors and, if so, with what.
>>>>
>>>> My immediate oncern are the cirular Cannon types, used on the ARB,
>>>> MN-26,
>>>> RA-10, and other Benxix and similar gear.,
>>>>
>>>> The larger sizes are very hard to mate, even w/ clean contacts. And 
>>>> even
>>>> harder to unmate. The main issue is the pins and sokets, rather 
>>>> than the
>>>> shell Acme thread.
>>>>
>>>> Any wisdom or suggestions?
>>>>
>>>> Best,
>>>>
>>>> -John
>>>>
>>>> ================
>>
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>

-- 
========================================================================
Christian R. Fandt
email:  cfandt at windstream.net
Jamestown, New York   USA


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