The Official 356Talk Forum

Hi all
With the 356 'Continental' type fuses, is there any thing that you can coat the ends of the fuses with that would increase conductivity?
Thanks Jay

I don't know if it has any effect on conductivity but I coat them with di-electric lube. It serves to prevent the oxidation or at least slow it a bit.

I have had good experience with this product. I have been using it for about 10 years. https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxI ... B00006LVEU

I've used Deoxl as well. That along with the dielectic lube would be a good procedure.

Mike

Dielectrics are insulators, the opposite of conductors.

I agree with Edwin. Make sure. Your fuses have copper contacts, not aluminum.

I had to look up the dielectric grease. A bit confusing to me as it protects electrical connects from corrosion but isn't a good conductor. There are carbon-based greases that both protect and are good conductors.

Thanks, Ed, for the clarification.

Mike

Generally dielectric grease cannot prevent metal to metal contact so it will function just fine and probably corrosion will be prevented.

i've used petroleum jelly (vaseline) on battery posts and fuse ends. Been fine so far.

The properties of dielectric grease (especially that it stays put and forms a continuous film) are what makes it a good coating to slow corrosion at contacts. The metals are close enough that you do not need conductivity; you want a film that stays around and excludes moisture. Any oil or grease is better than nothing, but some do a better job and stay around longer.

I use a very small wipe of Penetrox Electrical Joint Compound, and Anti Corrosion paste. Made by Burndy and others. It's silver paste that will improve conductivity slightly as well as keep the surfaces from oxidizing. Once "joint" is clean and oxide free, wipe on the Penetrox, (very little is needed), on both sides, twirl the fuse a little once seated in the clips. Also be aware there some inferior fuses, made from Aluminum (silver colored) and there are glass tube versions that are dissimilar metals to the brass clips. I have always at least twirled the fuse periodically to rub off any corrosion. It also helps to loosen the set screws and retighten. There I use a small drop of penetrating il on the screws a day or two before, as the brass screws can need some help in coming out. Also as other recommended the DE-OX and contact cleaners will help clean up the wire and fuse contact points and help with current flow.
Check the fuses when the lights are on, a hot fuse means bad connection or an excessive draw.
Another place to check and prepare is the smaller red wire at the battery clamp connection, as that is the direct feed to the fuse box.

I should have added Type E Penetrox as it has small copper flakes and is for Copper to Copper joints. Other types of Pentrox is for aluminum joints.

+1 for Jules

Hi All
Thanks for all the replies.
Found this over here in the UK at Motor Factors Halfords.
First cleaned all the fuse holder contacts with fine sanding paper and then sprayed before installing the fuses, giving them all a small turn to seat them.
All circuits working well.
Kind regards Jay