Corrosion removal on electrical connectors

Tony in SD · Dec 31, 2015

What the best way to remove corrosion from electrical connectors on a JD 4440?

L.Fure · Dec 31, 2015

If you mean the spade type connectors I usually clean the spade it my pocket knife. To clean the female part I keep a few different sizes of the spades and use them with a little valve grinding compound to scrub out any corrosion in the female part of the connector. Then wash out the grinding compound with either brake cleaner or contact cleaner. I suppose this will work with any type of electrical connector.

JimB2 · Dec 31, 2015

Hi, if you are talking about the battery cables at the battery posts, then try some baking soda dissolved in warm water.
Be sure to rinse area thoroughly afterwards as the mixture will lift paint.

JimB

Tony in SD · Dec 31, 2015

Sorry, I should have clarified. Its the spade connectors not the battery cables.

notjustair · Dec 31, 2015

After cleaning put dielectric grease on them. Those 40 year old connectors can't stand to have any more meat removed!

fixerupper · Dec 31, 2015

Muriatic acid will clean them quick but you have to THOROUGHLY neutralize it with soda water after the cleaning is done or you will have new corrosion from the acid. Apply acid to the connector only. If it gets on the wire it can wick up into the wire and cause corrosion under the insulation. Scraping and brushing will get you going in a pinch but it's not a permanent fix. I scrape and brush in situations where I don't have the tools or space or time to do it better. That said, whenever possible I replace the connectors with high quality ones you find at a good electrical supply house. It seems like once they are corroded and cleaned they never will be as good as new.

Glen SW Wi · Dec 31, 2015

Coat the connections with liquid electrical tape after you have them cleaned. The LET works better than grease and is less likely to burn.

ss55 · Dec 31, 2015

Spray type electrical cleaners work well.

FBH44 · Dec 31, 2015

Just me, but I have come to rely on PB B'laster. It removes corrosion, IMHO, it lubricates, it expels moisture, it keeps moisture out, it seems to help all things electrical. Just me, but I have had it FIX inoperable push-pull switches on my rider lawn mowers, that have gotten moisture / condensation inside and stopped working. It lubricates all threaded parts, and seems to stop corrosion. It is something I spray into electrical areas that might get water. I found it lubricates light bulbs going into sockets, it's just something I rely on, electtrical.

jeffcat · Dec 31, 2015

Have cleaned a couple of the trailer plugs on my trucks and trailers. Use some Bar Keepers Friend from your local food store. A little water and make a paste. Let it work a little and use an old tooth brush. Wow do they get clean. Wash with water and bake soda to stop all action. Coat with silicone grease and your all set. If a lot of meat is gone then time for new.

Corrosion removal on electrical connectors

Tony in SD

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L.Fure

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JimB2

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Tony in SD

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notjustair

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fixerupper

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Glen SW Wi

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ss55

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FBH44

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jeffcat

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