Corrosion on starter switch

[Ford_Freddie]

The copper terminal on the starter switch is corroded. I cleaned the the surface and it is bright now. But how do I protect the copper from corrosion? In an article they recommended dielectric grease. But that's an insulator. Thank you in advance.

[wmws]

Dielectric grease is not an insulator. It is made for electrical connections.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by wmws

Dielectric grease is not an insulator. It is made for electrical connections.

It also works great on trailer hitch/ball on a trailer you may haul your rig on. Makes sure your ground works for trailer lights.

[Dollar Bill]

Clear nail polish.

[Y-Blockhead]

Use the di-electric grease. I use it on all electrical connections, light bulbs, grounds, bullet connectors, spark plug leads, etc.

[Mike V. Florida]

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OK, Dielectric grease is an insulator by definition, before you comment look it up for yourself.

I know what some of you are saying, "Well wise ass if it's an insulator how can it work for electrical connections?"

Here is the answer, it is also a low pressure grease. that means that when squeezed it pushes out of the way and does not leave a film. So when you put together, say a bulb and a socket, the bulb pushed away the grease making a good contact with the socket metal and the residue left around the connection will seal the metal from moisture.

When used with rubber covers like modern spark plug covers, only the rubber needs to be greased, not the metal as the moisture will be kept away from the actual metal by the rubber and grease.

[MikeK]

Do not use dielectric grease on any switch or relay contacts! It does its job of preventing oxygen contact just fine on connections that do not see make-break operation under load like bulb bases and bolted connections.

If used on a switch contact, especially high amp contacts like a starter, the stuff burns in the arc creating free carbon and trapping fine metallic particles along with the carbon in the grease. The result is early failure of the switch from dirty burned residue between the contact points.

If you have a corrosion problem (green) that is hydrated copper carbonate. You need both CO2 and water vapor for it to form. If you have any type of gasket, paint, or sealer between the switch base and starter motor that is likely your problem. The switch needs to be just a tad leaky or open on the bottom to prevent trapped condensation. A dry copper switch will not develop verdigris.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by MikeK

If used on a switch contact, especially high amp contacts like a starter, the stuff burns in the arc creating free carbon...

I have never heard that before. I have never had a problem using it on my starter but I will certainly check that out. May save me (and others) a problem down the road. Thanks for the info.