Vaseline - do you still use it?

Myluckyday · 25-06-2015, 03:08 PM

Just bought a new battery and wondering what the 'current' thinking on the use of Vaseline to create a protective barrier around the terminals.

Looking for a cheap easy solution ... not necessarily the latest high-tec stuff.

I heard once that, during the space program, NASA spent a million dollars to invent a pen that would 'write up-side down' (ink requires gravity to flow to the ball point).

The Russians used a pencil !

Simple, cheap, effective low-tech solutions are the way to go for me ...

**Silver Ghia** · 25-06-2015, 03:30 PM

I still use it when connecting the battery terminals. Coat the terminal and inside the lead clamps, before sliding them on.

XB GS 351 Coupe · 25-06-2015, 03:30 PM

Just use electrical contact grease, cheap and easy, should also be using it on and electrical items such as light bulb sockets, probably cheaper than Vaseline as well I have a tube thats been going for about 25 years now, and will probably outlast me and be passed on to my kids

Itsme · 25-06-2015, 03:42 PM

Nothing wrong using Vaseline on battery terminals if any I recommend it.

**buggerlugs** · 25-06-2015, 03:46 PM

Oh, we are talking about it with cars.................
I was about to tell you about my chafing thighs.............

Whitey-AMG · 25-06-2015, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trublu

Nothing wrong using Vaseline on battery terminals if any I recommend it.

Seen some older cars with a lot of accumulated dirt and gunk due to the stickiness of the vaseline. So i guess its OK if its maintained.

Peter B - CV8 · 25-06-2015, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluey-GT

Seen some older cars with a lot of accumulated dirt and gunk due to the stickiness of the vaseline. So i guess its OK if its maintained.

Yeah it tends to attract dirt etc & also runs a bit with underbonnet temps. Just a light smear is best (rather than lathering it on).

Myluckyday · 25-06-2015, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Just use electrical contact grease, cheap and easy, should also be using it on and electrical items such as light bulb sockets, probably cheaper than Vaseline as well I have a tube thats been going for about 25 years now, and will probably outlast me and be passed on to my kids

Where do you buy 'electrical contact grease' ?

Thanks
.

Itsme · 25-06-2015, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter B - CV8

Yeah it tends to attract dirt etc & also runs a bit with underbonnet temps. Just a light smear is best (rather than lathering it on).

A smear is all that needed to protect against corrosion & give a better electrical connection.

XR Martin · 25-06-2015, 04:25 PM

The NASA pen thing is a myth.
An independant company developed the pen on their own and sold them to NASA for a nominal amount. ($2.95 each)

Pencil were a big no no in a zero gravity capsule, breaking a 'lead' off the end and having a bit of graphite get lodged somewhere could cause a disaster. Also in a pure oxygen environment they were highly flammable.

http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp

Express · 25-06-2015, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myluckyday

I heard once that, during the space program, NASA spent a million dollars to invent a pen that would 'write up-side down' (ink requires gravity to flow to the ball point).

The Russians used a pencil !

Simple, cheap, effective low-tech solutions are the way to go for me ...

Sounds like the Aussies who were working on going to the Moon and to save money decided on an outdoor dunny.

Express · 25-06-2015, 06:30 PM

I use a little bit of Vaseline but now XB GS 351 Coupe has mentioned electrical contact grease I might grab some and give it a go.

Tonz · 25-06-2015, 06:56 PM

not saying what I use it for but its not the cars

XB GS 351 Coupe · 25-06-2015, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myluckyday

Where do you buy 'electrical contact grease' ?

Thanks
.

Any spare parts shop should have it.

Been using it for about 25 years, ever since my first XB had some earthing issues, not sure what it does, but never really had electrical issues since I been using it.

39ClevoUte · 25-06-2015, 08:32 PM

Raid the kitchen....spray olive oil.

sprintman1 · 25-06-2015, 08:35 PM

CRC Battery Terminal Protector spray can. Quick and no mess

**gregaust** · 25-06-2015, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myluckyday

Where do you buy 'electrical contact grease' ?

Thanks
.

Also I think can be called Dielectric grease

roth · 25-06-2015, 08:49 PM

I really think that it doesn't greatly matter what is used - Vaseline, electrical contact grease or ordinary grease. I smear a little ordinary grease to completely cover the battery posts and clamps before attaching them. This greatly slows down if not prevents corrosion and oxidation ensuring good electrical connections and greatly prolongs the life of the clamps. The other products mentioned would give a similar result I'm sure.

Itsme · 25-06-2015, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregaust

Also I think can be called Dielectric grease

Dielectric grease is more of a insulator type grease, not recommended for electrical connections for conduction of power.
It most suitable for anti corrosion in high voltage applications such as ignition leads & spark plugs for cars.

GTBenny · 25-06-2015, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprintman1

CRC Battery Terminal Protector spray can. Quick and no mess

This stuff is great. It's what I use.

https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/0...protector-300g

Benny.

Franco Cozzo · 25-06-2015, 09:55 PM

I don't use anything at all, that blue wurth stuff looks nice though.

**cs123** · 25-06-2015, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trublu

Dielectric grease is more of a insulator type grease, not recommended for electrical connections for conduction of power.
It most suitable for anti corrosion in high voltage applications such as ignition leads & spark plugs for cars.

You don't want to put anything conductive inside a bulb socket. The dielectric grease keeps moisture out.

I'm with Damo, I don't use anything.

sprintman1 · 25-06-2015, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTBenny

This stuff is great. It's what I use.

https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/0...protector-300g

Benny.

Yep no farkin about with jars of Vaseline or whatever. 5 seconds and done!

Itsme · 25-06-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cs123

You don't want to put anything conductive inside a bulb socket. The dielectric grease keeps moisture out.

I'm with Damo, I don't use anything.

I never would, my comment is for battery connections only to stop any corrosion/acid build up, for any other electrical connections I certainly would not use any type of grease unless specified by manufacturer of vehicle.

**FairmontGS** · 26-06-2015, 07:30 AM

So what actually causes battery posts to start covering themselves in white phosphorous powder? I'm no electrician and it's always interested me. My 3 yo FomMoCo battery in the FG is doing it continuously. I wash it off with soda water.

mechanic · 26-06-2015, 07:48 AM

Boy, this topic is a blast from the past.
Used to be some stuff called Korode Kure, [ think that's the correct spelling ] it was black and came in a can with a little brush attached to the lid.
When I started my apprenticeship in 66 my boss insisted that all battery terminals were to be cleaned and either greased or treated with KK.
Won't get into the discussion regarding grease on electrical terminals but have seen lots of dirty greasy oil soaked battery leads attached to blocks and starters that when undone showed perfectly clean metal to metal contact underneath.
My mechanic sprays some blue stuff on the battery terminals and haven't seen any sign of corrosion.

**aussiblue** · 26-06-2015, 08:24 AM

Quote:

not saying what I use it for but its not the cars

..and I think the Kiwis use lanoline :-)

And you can use it for battery terminals too: http://www.lanotec.com.au/rust-corro...ention-sprays/

Quote:

Lanotec General Purpose Liquid Lanolin and Heavy Duty Liquid Lanolin will also inhibit oxidisation and corrosion on electrical components and equipment. Protects lighting fixtures, battery terminals, electronic circuit boards, electrical cables and switchgear against electrolysis, verdigris creep, and crystallisation.

XR Martin · 26-06-2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairmontGS

So what actually causes battery posts to start covering themselves in white phosphorous powder? I'm no electrician and it's always interested me. My 3 yo FomMoCo battery in the FG is doing it continuously. I wash it off with soda water.

Its lead oxide, passing DC current through lead causes this.
Never breathe it in either, its seriously bad for your health

Harrison · 26-06-2015, 10:08 AM

I've been using lanolin for a few years now too. Seems to do a good job.

LyleXR8 · 26-06-2015, 10:54 AM

I used to use it to pack the oil pump on old Holden after they'd been sitting for ages cos they are known to not pump after sitting for ages'

Does the current pass through the Vaseline etc of you coat the post first then slip everything over it and tighten? I don't have anything on mine and don't have problems with the white powder on any of my cars, especially my Wife's SS that thing eats batteries well before any powder can form!!!