Cleaning electrical connections?

[jgtr]

Hi all, just wondered what the best way to clean electrical connections is?

Pulled the loom from my Pug 205, it's the female spade connections mainly that I can't get inside to clean (head lamp plugs etc). Thanks

[jgtr]

Here's what I've got.....green connections!

[optimusprime2]

Vinigar. Soak them and then wash them with soap and water ..

[jgtr]

Cheers, I'll try it overnight and see how it turns out

[cobblers]

Unless it's just a temporary fix, don't bother even trying to clean them, those are scrap and need to be replaced. You might get them a bit cleaner but they will be forever giving you problems as the plating has gone and they are down to bare copper (hence the verdigris) so any exposure to moisture in the air will turn them green again in no time.

[composimmonite]

I suspect the wire might also be suffering from "black death" if the connections are that bad. You need to cut off the duff connection and check state of wire core. If the copper strands are black then that section needs replacing as well. You can keep cutting back until you come across clean copper but personally find it's easier /better to just replace the whole length.

[jgtr]

Cheers, good advice, I'm on a tight budget, The connections did clean up with vinegar but as you say stripped the coating off.

I'll look at replacing the terminals, PUG ones are nearly £1 each as far as I'm aware so could get pretty pricey :-(

[benjy_b]

When looking for terminals try:

RS Components
Farnell
Newark

I've found numerous Honda and VAG terminals in large quantities for pennies.

Also, consider changing your plugs to something more robust where possible. I use Deutsch DT or DTM connectors.

[colnerov]

Hi, if you use a thin electrical screwdriver to release the latch you can get the terminal out of the plastic plug, replace the terminal with something like these -

www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/section.php/74/1/blade-terminals

They're a couple of quid for 50. Be aware the terminals for the headlight plugs are a different size, so it might be an idea to get a replacement kit for them like these -

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009XAAEA4/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00AKW571U&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=05SWNTPAJ3D31VTJHWAF

Colin

[cobblers]

As compo says, the wires are probably just about dead too. The water wicks its way up the copper braiding - I've followed it up over a meter of wire before.

If you are really in a bind and don't want to replace them just wire brush as much of the green off as possible, then use something like 240 grit sandpaper folded in half to clean down to bare copper on the inside of the contacts.

Pack the housings with vaseline before reassembly and you should get a few years out of them.

If you can find me any markings on the plastic housing I'll try and find you the correct terminals, they aren't usually too expensive (under 50p each)

[optimusprime2]

Come on lads this chap wants a quick fix not a rewire .Spray them up with WD40 job done.

[ettorebugatti]

Some good tips here.

Anyone experience with contact cleaners like?
uk.rs-online.com/web/p/contact-cleaners/8232668/

[jgtr]

I've got hold of a spare loom which I'll rob some wires and connectors from, proper traveller!!