Kristen

I'm looking for a carbon or graphite based grease that conducts electricity. Anyone?

(And yes, this is for a motorcycle...)

TexasTraffic

Not easy!
You'd need a very high percentage of graphite. Any grease in the mix would be a pretty good insulator.

What is your application?
Is it possible to use straight dry graphite?
How about using a carbon brush from an electric motor?

At best, the dry graphite solution would not be a great conductor.... though still much better than a graphite/grease mix.

hooligan919

Like this?

Graphite Grease/Conductive Paste - G-Scale (lgb51010) LGB Model Train Track / Accessory Brass - G Scale

Kristen

Thanks. My turn signal contacts on my '74 DT250 are so pitted from corrosion that they work intermittently.
Everything else has checked out as working correctly, a conductive grease was suggested.

Thanks. I'll check into that.

The Shadow

Kristen, you should be able to get Dielectric grease from radioshack or home depot, etc. a little dab should do it.

hasbeenracer

Most auto parts stores have it to. Got some at PEP Boys the other day. If you need some I can send it to you.

mantelhonda

I use "Di electric" grease , on the connectors,stops corrosion and it is available at any motorcycle or auto parts store.

TexasTraffic

This is likely your best (only?) option short of replacement.

A tiny bit in the right spot goes a LONG way - gooping it in there will not help, and will likely hurt.

Good luck!

robtharalson

Most electrically conductive greases are either carbon (graphite) or silver filled. Both have their applications and in this case they may work, but may not provide consistent operation. Additionally, depending on the chemical properties of the grease a slight overapplication may cause shorting.

I have repaired corroded bulb contacts with silver solder after thoroughly cleaning and fluxing the base metal, and if you have access to a suitably hot soldering iron it can be done with minimal disassembly.

Rob

nd4spdbh

ya i would try n resurface the contacts with some solder.

Kristen

Thank you!

My confusion is that I read this-
"Dielectric grease is a nonconductive grease. Because it is nonconductive it does not enhance the flow electrical current. Electrical conductors should not be coated with dielectric grease prior to being mated."

Ridge

Is replacing the contacts not an option? simple cut, splice and rewire to another OEM blade, or replace that section of wiring altogether?

catonsvilleguy

There is a grease that is made to prevent oxidation on multstrand aluminum power cable. It's used like where your power comes into your house and the cable is stripped and inserted into the lugs in your power panel. It keeps the aluminum from becoming oxidized. I think you can get it at any Home Depot or electrical supply store.

Bigdaa

Seems to me graphite(carbon) is an excellent conductor as well as a lubricant in itself. Remember that brushes in motors are made of carbon, much like pencils. I think Texas T has a pretty good point, though. Brushes are like 100% graphite.

adamjayp

Carbon is a conductor, but it is a highly resistive one. Almost all common resistors are made of carbon. The more you have, the more resistance you have. When I was in high school, the Electronics teacher had us all make our own resistors using a piece of paper and a #2 pencil (which are not made of lead BTW, we just say that). Kind of a neat visual experiment. It takes quite a bit of pencil, but you can try it yourself. Just put down a thick 1"x3" rectangle of pencil on the paper and grab your multi-meter and measure away.

This doesn't help you much, but I'd go with Rob's idea of "tinning" the contacts with silver solder.

Bigdaa

Dlelectrics are used in capacitors to enable them to store charge more effectively because of their insulative (non conductive) nature.


There are actually epoxies formulated to conduct electricity. The most common I can think of used in industry uses tiny silver balls in the mix to conduct the electricity. It's not cheap and it works wonders. Many micro electronics use this system.

There are even conductive tapes that use copper composition plus copper balls in the adhesive.

Kristen

Thanks guys.

The new battery that I ordered just showed up and I do have some dielectric grease so I'll try it before moving on.

nd4spdbh

ya id try di electric.... even though its not conductive it will make things go into place much easier.... if that dont work i wouldnt try conductive grease as it could short stuff out as you have pieces sliding over eachother spreading the grease. Instead id clean the contacts well with some liquid flux, then dab some solder onto the contacts then shave them flat.