Wire length and corrosion can increase the resistance in an electrical circuit. Excessive resistance in the circuit can and usually will cause voltage problems. The current through each resistor (point of resistance such as a coil or some corrosion) is the same.
If the corrosion is bad or extends to the wires have someone who knows what they are doing install a new plug, as a badly corroded plug can overheat and potentially cause a fire.
Dielectric grease, or tune-up grease, is a silicone-based grease that repels moisture and protects electrical connections against corrosion. The grease does not conduct electricity, so it shouldn't be applied directly to the mating surfaces (pins and sockets) of an electrical connection.
Normal NON-EP grease is basically a dielectric grease. The EP additives are what are conductive. But in most cases, as mdjoey says, any grease will do. In some places for electrical contacts you want a conductive grease.
Vaseline can work as a substitute for dielectric grease, the big differences are that it can degrade rubber and plastics over time, and it's combustible - but I've used it in the past on car bulbs, wiring and battery terminals and it hasn't been a problem yet.
Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) base oil grease that is generally the best at reducing insertion forces when mating connectors. Uniflor 8917 is ideal for large multipin connectors with tight tolerances so that contact surfaces/fragile pins are not damaged during assembly/mating.
DESCRIPTION: CRC WHITE LITHIUM GREASE is an advanced lubricant and protectant containing an advanced additive package for superior performance and durability in any weather and most temperatures. High purity, white lithium based grease. Non-conductive.
Vaseline can work as a substitute for dielectric grease, the big differences are that it can degrade rubber and plastics over time, and it's combustible - but I've used it in the past on car bulbs, wiring and battery terminals and it hasn't been a problem yet.
The purpose of an electrical contact lubricant is to prevent corrosion and lubricate the connection for easier maintenance. NO-OX-ID "A-Special" electrical grease prevents corrosion attack on all metal surfaces. Attack can come from battery acid, salt, moisture and various industrial chemical vapors in the environment.
Some call pure silicone grease an "insulating grease". Vaseline can work as a substitute for dielectric grease, the big differences are that it can degrade rubber and plastics over time, and it's combustible - but I've used it in the past on car bulbs, wiring and battery terminals and it hasn't been a problem yet.
Use copper grease on all the female connections on plugs and sockets, towbar plugs and sockets, water pump socket, and mains cable lead connections (especially over winter). The connections will mate more easily, help stop corrosion, and provide a more positive electrical connection.
Brush the metal pins with the toothbrush. Apply a quick spray of the electrical contact cleaner to remove any dry dust or corrosion. Use vinegar to clean the pins if contact cleaner is not available. Apply a spray coating of the contact lubricant.
Removing Corrosion. Add 1 tablespoon (17.06 g) salt and 1 cup (236.58 ml) vinegar to a bowl. Salt and vinegar can help clean off any tarnish or corrosion that remains on your copper wire. Mix the solution together until the salt is well incorporated with the vinegar.
Clean the rusted spark plug wire tip with hot soapy water and wipe it dry using a clean rag.
It is safe to use alcohol to clean electrical contacts. It cuts oil, carbon and other residues better than alcohol. While you are at it, you should also check if the contacts need burnishing. Burnishing will remove pitting, which promotes arcing.
You can very carefully clean corrosion from otherwise good fuses with gentle strokes of the wire brush. Another way to clean corrosion from the fuse box is with rubbing alcohol and cotton balls. However, the cotton may stick to the connectors and will need to be removed before reinserting the fuses.
