7 pin electrical contact cleaner

TNGW1500SE wrote:
Ketchup cleans copper. Stick a penny on a plate and pour some on it. Wait overnight and you'll see.

Ketchup has vinegar in it. That, and the natural acidity found in tomatoes is what does that. Coke works because of the phosphoric acid.

Simpler just to fill a spray bottle with diluted vinegar and spray it. Let it sit for a bit, then flush thoroughly with fresh water. Repeat if needed. Finish up by letting it dry, then using some grease to keep water out.

Ketchup cleans copper. Stick a penny on a plate and pour some on it. Wait overnight and you'll see.

Unfortunately over time WD-40 doesn't work well. It leaves a residue. That residue becomes contaminated with dust and dirt.

ryegatevt wrote:
WD-40

Mont G&J wrote:
Definition of dielectric
: a nonconductor of direct electric current

True, but it's the perfect product for this use:

"Protects electrical connections and wiring from salt, dirt and corrosion. Extends the life of bulb sockets."

Permatex® Dielectric Tune-Up Grease - Permatex
https://www.permatex.com/products/lubricants/.../permatex-dielectric-tune-up-grease-4/

Dave H M wrote:

MDKMDK wrote:
After, or instead of a more liquid type of spray cleaner, would dielectric grease be an option?

Seems to work great for me. i keep the plug well lubed with it.

Also i never let my plug dangle. It goes into a dummy socket when not plugged into the truck.

I recently fixed a rig that was leaving a campground, with no working lights on the flat towed car. I asked the owner to test the turn and brake lights on the motorhome, while another guest looked at the back of the car. I wiggled the six pin connection and confirmed that there was an intermittent connection. The plug/receptacle had a lot of light corrosion from the salty trip south from NY to FL. I lightly packed the female connectors on the plug with dielectric grease, and worked the it in and out of the receptacle a dozen times, or so. A quick check confirmed that the issue was resolved. I've done this many times on everything from trailer connectors to non-fuctioning 12V bulbs and sockets.

WD-40

Definition of dielectric
: a nonconductor of direct electric current

beemerphile1 wrote:
Caigs de-oxit

Caig Deoxit D5 It is sold at Guitar Center stores and Radio Shack, if you can find one. It is the only metal treatment I've found that will actually remove oxidation from electronic contacts.

Grit dog wrote:
Coca Cola.
Then some dielectric grease.

I hear it works well for rust too!

"Dielectric grease" is a fancy way of saying non-conductive grease, which almost all are. You'd have to go out of your way to find a conductive grease, so no need to go out of your way to find a grease specifically labeled as "dielectric", and which you'll pay more for. I use Super-Lube, which is silicone based and clear, so it doesn't stain like most common greases.