Corroded Connectors

[azopelnut]

I am working on the wiring of non-Opel that has many electrical connectors. I do not want to pry the metal spades out of the plastic housing as I don't want to break them in the process.
Are there any chemical cleaners or any other method that won't destroy the plastic connector but still clean the metal spade.

[opelnut10]

Originally Posted by azopelnut I am working on the wiring of non-Opel that has many electrical connectors. I do not want to pry the metal spades out of the plastic housing as I don't want to break them in the process. Are there any chemical cleaners or any other method that won't destroy the plastic connector but still clean the metal spade.

They make a spray that electronic techs use to clean terminals and contacts. TV repairmen use to use it to cleaner tuners in TV's, I would try an electronic supply store or Radio Shack, etc.

[opelnut_1]

be careful alot of the contact cleaners will cause some plastics to become VERY brittle. especially old connectors. be sure the contact cleaner states safe for plastic on it


Trust me!!!

[namba209]

Paul, there was a product on the market some time ago called "Corrosion X". Used it on my receiver connections on my model racing boats, worked great at keeping the salt corrosion out of the connections. Their big selling point was dropping a TV into a barrel of it, plugged in to an AC source and the darn thing kept on working. IDK if it's still available though.

[markandson]

Getting the connectors out of the plugs is no big problem. You need a very small jewelers screwdriver or something similar. Look at the end of the connector, there is a small space on one side it is the side that is the closed side of the metal female or male inside the plastic block. Stick the screwdriver down into the slot and create pressure on the metal connector, this will push the small piece out of the way that acts as a barb to hold the metal piece in. All you have to do to put it back together is push the small barb back out a little so that it springs into place. Make sure you document the location of all the wires in the plug/socket before you start taking wires out . You can clean the metal parts very nicely with a dremel tool and a small wire brush that they sell, I have burned up a dozen or so of them during my rebuild, and I'm not done yet.

[2 Fast 4 U]

Originally Posted by markandson Getting the connectors out of the plugs is no big problem. You need a very small jewelers screwdriver or something similar. Look at the end of the connector, there is a small space on one side it is the side that is the closed side of the metal female or male inside the plastic block. Stick the screwdriver down into the slot and create pressure on the metal connector, this will push the small piece out of the way that acts as a barb to hold the metal piece in. All you have to do to put it back together is push the small barb back out a little so that it springs into place. Make sure you document the location of all the wires in the plug/socket before you start taking wires out . You can clean the metal parts very nicely with a dremel tool and a small wire brush that they sell, I have burned up a dozen or so of them during my rebuild, and I'm not done yet.

That is the only safe way to do it