How to clean corrosion off merc ignition coils?

[sutor623]

Hey guys,

Getting intermittent spark on one cylinder. Narrowed it down to the wire and connection to coil. My coils all test good. I ordered some new wires and was going to use di-electric grease like always. Is there a cleaning solution that I can use to clean the connection between wire and coil? There is an awful lot of green corrosion in there. Figured Id try to clean it up before I spend $50+ on all new coils.

 

[wrvond]

A small wire brush is your best tool.

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

Depending on the amount of "green corrosion", mix up some baking soda and water and apply with a Q-Tip.

When clean, dry and blowout with compressed air.

Finish cleaning with electrical contact cleaner or Brake Kleen.

 

[sutor623]

Thanks guys!! Its kinda hard to get in there and I have never had to clean em. Seems senseless to jut buy new ones when the resistance is still good.

 

[gm280]

Green corrosion sounds like copper is corroded.. Mix up some vinegar and salt and place the corroded part in the solution for a few minutes and it will clean it back to copper again. Then mix up some baking soda in some water and place the cleaned item in that to stop the cleaning solution. Blow off any water, let it dry and it should look like new copper again. It works well with copper wires that have corroded and turn dark as well. I've rejuvenated black copper wires to like new again using that method. And then if need be, you can easily solder those wires again. JMHO

 

[sutor623]

Thanks GM, it most certainly is copper corrosion

 

[QBhoy]

Diesel and a thin profile wire brush will do it. Then brake and clutch/electrical cleaner to clean it all off.

 

[krakatoa]

Try Coca Cola. you can test it with a penny. Its really works

 

[gm280]

Try Coca Cola. you can test it with a penny. Its really works

I am sure Coca Cola does work. Basically any acid based product will clean the corrosion off. But then you have to stop that acid action via lots of water or baking soda. But the copper will come out looking like new and also accept solder after cleaning. You will never get dark blackish copper to solder. That is the primary reason for flux when soldering. It is a mild acid and cleans the wires before solder will flow. Some solders even have the flux inside. Just some info.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Electrical contact cleaner with the straw type insert will allow you to get the cleaner where you want it.

 

[sutor623]

Thanks a lot guys.Thanks to GM280, I did the vinegar and salt method, and it cleaned that corrosion off in 30 seconds. Didnt even have to address it mechanically. I couldnt believe it!!!