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Old 06-11-2022, 03:54 PM
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Default Sealing American Autowire Fuse Box

I'm in the middle of installing an American Autowire classic update harness in my '64 GTO. The instructions say to seal the outside of the firewall plugs with silicone. I think this is a really bad plan. Hard to execute and ensure that all terminals get sealed. Also hard to do without making a messy nightmare. I read a few paces where people suggest sealing the plugs with dielectric grease. I like this plan a lot more. Looking for experience or thoughts on this.

https://www.americanautowire.com/sho...iac-gto-510188

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Old 06-11-2022, 07:47 PM
Redpiston Redpiston is offline
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You can possibly use what we call duct seal in the fiber industry. It is like a putty that can be easily removed. Another option is self-amalgamating tape. You install it by wrapping around the item and stretching it at the same time.

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Old 06-12-2022, 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Redpiston View Post
You can possibly use what we call duct seal in the fiber industry. It is like a putty that can be easily removed. Another option is self-amalgamating tape. You install it by wrapping around the item and stretching it at the same time.
Ok. I'll look into the duct seal. I'm familiar with the tape.

Here's a shot of the instructions:

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Old 06-12-2022, 06:28 AM
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They're suggesting putting silicone around all of the terminals from the outside of the firewall plugs. I'm thinking about putting dielectric grease, or something, on the inside.

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Old 06-12-2022, 06:30 AM
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This stuff? Might be a good option.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-...-110/100212441

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Old 06-12-2022, 06:23 PM
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I put on new harnesses in 1990. Used some tube grease and my finger on the contact side before plugging them in. Never been unplugged since. Just saying..

"Bill"!

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Old 06-13-2022, 05:29 AM
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I put on new harnesses in 1990. Used some tube grease and my finger on the contact side before plugging them in. Never been unplugged since. Just saying..

"Bill"!
That's good to hear. Thanks

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Old 06-13-2022, 07:23 AM
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Gonna get some of this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRC-Technic...-Oz/5005344901

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Old 06-13-2022, 02:42 PM
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That is the exact product I use for most of my electric work.

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Old 06-13-2022, 03:20 PM
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That is the exact product I use for most of my electric work.
Good stuff? Sounds perfect to me.

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Old 06-23-2022, 10:35 AM
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Ensure that the dielectric grease does not touch the path of electrical currents or where parts are connecting. This is because the grease is an insulator, and it disrupts the flow of currents. Therefore, it is recommended to use dielectric grease on surfaces of electrical parts where the currents are not passing. Silicone is best & will seal out any water/ moisture from entering the end .

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Old 06-23-2022, 10:54 AM
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Ensure that the dielectric grease does not touch the path of electrical currents or where parts are connecting. This is because the grease is an insulator, and it disrupts the flow of currents. Therefore, it is recommended to use dielectric grease on surfaces of electrical parts where the currents are not passing. Silicone is best & will seal out any water/ moisture from entering the end .
Well I pooped it full of the stuff. Hopefully the spade terminals make good contact.

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Old 06-23-2022, 10:58 AM
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I did go around the terminals though. Not actually on them. But it might have squeezed on them when assembled.

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Old 06-23-2022, 10:59 AM
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The factory pretty much filled the cavity best I can tell. Should be fine

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Old 06-23-2022, 11:21 AM
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The factory pretty much filled the cavity best I can tell. Should be fine
I've always used it on spark plugs boots. But that's it until now.

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