Corroded terminals

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Was filling up the livewell day B4 yesterday and started getting some real intermittent operation out of the fill pump. Didn't know if the switch was going bad or the motor. Checked it out yesterday.

Problem solved: shot the spade terminals on the switch with WD-40 and moved them back and forth half dozen times. Apparently had some corrosion there (fresh water use) and the wire couldn't make good connection.

Don't think the worse when things happen. Sometimes it's just a little housekeeping is all that's required.

Mark
 

wire2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
1,584
Re: Corroded terminals

Just a suggestion, Mark; remove the terminals 1 at a time, apply some dielectric grease (or silicone grease) and put it back on for more permanent corrosion prevention. WD40 is mostly a solvent and tends to disappear quickly.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Re: Corroded terminals

That is true sir. Thanks. I should have, but didn't think about it at the time. I guess I was overwhelmed by the fact that I didn't have to crawl around all over the boat looking for bad connections, didn't have to replace the motor, or go to the boat mfgr for an OEM replacement switch (odd rocker switch) and just didn't think.....another senior moment. Grin

Mark
 

drewpster

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2006
Messages
2,059
Re: Corroded terminals

We use a spray-on terminal protector at work that seems to work pretty well. It goes on like spray paint and is a bit cleaner than grease. I do think I would prefer grease if I were boating in salt water for battery terminals. The spray on stuff is easier for under dash or smaller connections.
 

Pursuit2150

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 3, 2001
Messages
553
Re: Corroded terminals

Instead oe WD-40, USE TC-9.
Most Marine stores have it.
It does not evaporate,also Great for removing crud from Alum. & SS.
 
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