Contact cleaner recommendations?? Topic is solved

Post by **scot850** » 30 Aug 2023, 16:12

I have several of those side repeater turn signals, and the common thread is they seem to corrode their contacts heavily even with their connections inside the inner fender plastic.

I have tried a few different contact cleaners which just do nothing it terms of removing the oxidized surfaces on the pins. I've tried the white vinegar and salt, as well as the baking soda and water. That seemed to be almost totally ineffective or made it worse.

I think the contacts may have a brass finish rather than copper.

Anyone had luck with other products?

I have ordered some: https://www.amazon.ca/MG-Chemicals-Cont ... B001U3X3PA

(MG Chemicals 801B Super Contact cleaner) My only concern is one customer said it turned their plastics white. Most others gave it a 5*

There is also Deoxit D5 but it is more expensive here.

I remember using Coke-Cola to clean coper coins. Did a great job!

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 30 Aug 2023, 17:06

My wife always used Bausch + Lomb or whatever optometrist recommended.

volvolugnutr

Post by **Grantkat** » 30 Aug 2023, 17:43

I have used CRC QD (quick dry) contact cleaner with good results. I use the version that is made for sensitive electronics. I also use Deioxit, but like you say thats not cheap.

Post by **scot850** » 30 Aug 2023, 19:41

The contacts look like they could be brass and heavily oxidized. None of the electrical contact cleaners or the vinegar and salt cleaner seem to touch it. I have cleaned them and they will probably work, but I know we have a wealth of knowledge here that may have found something that is quick and easy.

Thanks for your inputs, much appreciated!

Neil.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 30 Aug 2023, 21:39

You may have to get back down to metal with a mild abrasive.
It's amazing what you can do with a basic, simple toothpaste.
A q-tip can get you into a lot of places.
Once the layer is removed, protect the connection from the
environmental effects of moisture, brine or salt with dielectric
grease. Even Vaseline is better than nothing.

Salted Roads and Brine are an Affront to Vehicles and
the Keepers of their Pocket Books - CITIZENS UNITE!
Spend the salting money on Studded Tires for Everyone.
And maybe some winter driving classes... You know who you are.

Post by **scot850** » 30 Aug 2023, 21:50

I am thinking the abrasive route, the trouble is the lack of space around the pins. I can try the toothpaste and cotton buds.

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 31 Aug 2023, 05:20

volvolugnut wrote: ↑30 Aug 2023, 17:06 My wife always used Bausch + Lomb or whatever optometrist recommended.

volvolugnutr

Damn! Beaten to the punch by the lugnut Master!!

A set of red patio furniture has been dispatched

Post by **scot850** » 05 Sep 2023, 15:18

Thought I would come back to this as I have found a cleaner that has worked way better than any other offering I have tried.

The Product is DeOxit D5. I found that a local music shop chain sell this stuff for cleaning electrical contacts. Not cheap at $25+ tax here (about $18 US), but I found I did not and much and with the use of a cotton bud, a sharp pick and an old tooth brush, 5 minutes or so of effort got this:

: DeOxit D5 and before and after; PXL_20230905_203132491.jpg (509.49 KiB) Viewed 376 times

: Closer look; PXL_20230905_203137029.jpg (456.39 KiB) Viewed 376 times

I should add the one on the right was way worse then the one on the left when I started. I had tried regular contact cleaner on that to no effect, and made it worse using white vinegar and salt followed by baking soda and water (YouTube videos).

Neil.