what to clean relay connections with?

[woodbutcher5691]

So I got it going and it sat about a week. No start I've sprayed a little starting fluid in and it ran on that. I think the relays need cleaned. They were pretty gunky when I was checking every thing else. What's the best stuff to use?

 

[Curious Hound]

Are you wanting to clean the contacts on the inside of the relays? I thought most automotive relays were sealed.

Anyway, you can find "electrical contact cleaner" and use that. I'm pretty sure I have seen it at auto stores like Advance, Oreilly's, NAPA, etc. That is designed for cleaning relay contacts.

If you just want to clean the connection blades where the wires plug onto the relay, It depends what they are dirty with. For grease and grime, contact cleaner, brake cleaner, carb cleaner or even rubbing alcohol with a Q-tip should work. If they have green corrosion on them, you may need a small wire brush to remove it. If they are really that old and crusty, you might be better off replacing them.

 

[jeremysdad]

Ask your old lady for an emery board. Best blade cleaner, hands down.

Sandpaper? A goddamned rock? Knife point? It's electricity. Clean the contacts, and she'll flow. To a fault, sometimes. Tricky mistress, that one. Lol

 

[Spott]

Ask your old lady for an emery board. Best blade cleaner, hands down.

Sandpaper? A goddamned rock? Knife point? It's electricity. Clean the contacts, and she'll flow. To a fault, sometimes. Tricky mistress, that one. Lol

Most electrical contacts are plated with an alloy that resists corrosion. This plating is very thin, and if you scrape it with an abrasive you will damage or destroy it, and the underlying metal (usually copper) will no longer be protected. This will subsequently corrode in short order, and the connection problem will quickly return, worse than before.

If you're out in the middle of nowhere and you have to solve an electrical problem, then by all means scrape it clean if you have to, in order to get home, but replace it when you're back in civilization.

If you're trying to clean contacts properly, when you have the time and tools, then never, never, never scrape or abrade them. Use contact cleaner or other light solvents, and/or a pink pencil eraser.

 

[Pauls 4x4]

I use headlight fluid.

Seriously change the 10 dollar relay. Contact cleaner is only for the pigtails.

 

[woodbutcher5691]

I'm thinking that's not the problem. Something is killing the battery,I pulled all the fuses one by one touching the battery terminal each time and it still arcs fire.then on to relays the same way. Still arcing fire each time so I unplugged the computer and its still arcing fire when I touch the battery terminal. The p/o said he had the in tank fuel pump replaced I'm thinking maybe they pinched a wire when putting it back together because the fuel guage didn't work when it was running 3-4. Weeks ago. It's a nice little truck but it's about to drive me batshit crazy. Thanks for all y'all's replies.

 

[Curious Hound]

I use headlight fluid.

Which one works better? Whale oil or kerosene?

 

[woodbutcher5691]

Well after the the crappola, it was the ground wire plug at the battery Also a dying alternator. The wire looked like it was plugged together but in reality,the connection inside wasn't happening.So I'm happy to say that this bitch is finally alive and right.Thanks for all ya'lls replies.

 

[Slammin Sam]

Corrosion Block "Kills corrosion on contact" was highly recommended by a neighbor that works on old cars. Comes in a 12 oz spray can. Manufactured in Canada. I haven't used much of it, but it seems to work.