Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

[fdmsiv]

I have a '75 85 HP with the red male/female wiring harness connection. I would like to clean both the receptors and prongs but I really can't think if a good way to do it. The space it too tight for my fingers and sand paper and I am worried that a chemical might eat the rubber

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

I've had good luck with electronics contact cleaner.I just spray both connectors and work them together a number of times then rinse clean with the contact cleaner.Sometimes a fingernail emery board trimmed to fit might work.You should rinse any residue with contact cleaner.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

agree, works for me.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

A brass gun bore brush should clean up the female contact quickly.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking a .22 brush, but the small prongs receptors may be too small.

A friend at work suggested letting the harness connector sit is some coca cola for a day or so. Going to give this a shot tonight, out to the store for contact cleaner tomorrow.

 

[kjdunne]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

Don't use the coca-cola. Wait to get the contact cleaner. A weak solution of muriatic acid will work, make sure to rinse well with fresh water after.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

OK here's an odd suggestion,,, but it just might work

If the female connector is a bullet type connector (round) with not gaps, fill the hole with fine sand, push a small standard screw driver into the sand and start turning the screw driver, the blades should force the sand into the metal and,, well,, sand the contacts.

Don't know how the connector is put together, so not sure if the sand could get lodged in there, which wouldn't be a good thing.

I don't know if I would soak the connector in anything water based, could wick water up into the wires and cause more problems than good, corrosion. Solvent based should be OK though.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

contact cleaner or steel wool. Steel wool can be shredded to fit small enough and a small screw driver or stick to work it around the female connectors.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

contact cleaner and a couple of cheap finger nail files does it for me

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Cleaning Contacts in Wire Harness

The cola worked pretty well, just a little water to clean up and a couple of shots of compressed air.

Thanks again to everyone for the help, much appreciated.