what did you use to clean your fuses? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

into69z · 06-17-2011, 10:25 AM

I am working on cleaning up my electrical harness, checking grounds and looking for bad connections etc. I can't afford to replace the harness and the one I have isn't all cut up, so I figure I would just check and clean all connections and grounds. One area I have questions on is the fuse panel-the area where the fuses are kept-those spring tensioned metal ends-has anyone attempted to clean these? I was wondering if using a q-tip with CLR or tarnex would work. I want to try with the fuse panel in-place. What are some of the things that you guys have done to do this?

TheSeeker · 06-17-2011, 10:59 AM

Ive used a q-tip and baking soda and water, just a little bit works fairly well, then Ill clean it up with a tiny wire brush. I dont know if its the correct way to do it, but I havent had any trouble yet XD.

Roadmarks · 06-17-2011, 11:00 AM

I imagine TARNEX would be a good choice! A company I used to work for used it on relay contacts without a problem. When it drys, it leaves a white residue, so when you're done, be sure to clean the fuse block with alcohol and be sure that it is DRY before powering up.

best wishes,

Les

GASoline71 · 06-17-2011, 11:05 AM

This stuff...

Gary

**70cst** · 06-17-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

This stuff...

Gary

Thanks for the info...

Papa-J · 06-17-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

This stuff...

Gary

You can also use Contact Cleaner, same stuff. You should be able to pick it up at any local electrical wholesaler or car/truck wholesaler .

into69z · 06-17-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

This stuff...

Gary

Thanks-that's what I was looking for-I'm not as flexable as I once was and half-blind to boot! I'll give it a shot................Steve

ChevLoRay · 06-17-2011, 03:41 PM

Never thought about doing that kind of job, but in retrospect, I have done something similar.

The edge contacts on PC boards (for instance) were best cleaned by using one of the erasers that you use for erasing ballpoint ink. Art gum may also work, but the ink eraser was a little more abrasive.

An electrical contact cleaner that leaves no residue and is not flammable is good. I know that WD40 will displace water and has been used many times, but I have a problem using anything that leaves a film and/or is flammable, on any circuitry that may see a spark. After using the contact cleaner, be sure to use good clean air...like the stuff used for computer keyboards, etc.

**LockDoc** · 06-17-2011, 11:43 PM

-
I've cleaned a couple that had some rust issues with my Dremel and a small round stone. The stone is about the same diameter as a fuse, maybe just a hair bigger. Worked great.

LockDoc

bobs409 · 06-18-2011, 06:52 AM

I must say that in all my years and all my vehicles, I've never had to clean my fuses. ??

Is this a common problem for some? Guess I've been lucky all this time and didn't know it.

GASoline71 · 06-17-2011, 12:12 PM

Best part about the one I posted the pic of... It leaves no residue, and dries very fast, so you can just plug stuff back together and go. No need for blowing parts with compressed air or wipey wipey with rags...

Gary

mrein3 · 06-17-2011, 12:55 PM

I bought DeoxIT at Radio Shack. It came in a bubble pack with a small cleaner spray and a small lube spray. I've been very happy with the results.

cdowns · 06-17-2011, 03:02 PM

i spray real good with wd40 while i take my tiny cylindrical wire brushes and clean them up tthen with cotten swab apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to each contact b4 inserting fuses

when doing this make sure battery is disconncted

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-19-2011, 07:38 AM

I've used Q-tips w/ Brasso on the contacts, followed up by tiny rolls of fine sandpaper twirled in the contact clips. Sometimes small modelers files, or Ignition files. Sometimes strips of Scotchbrite. Shots of Blue Shower to clean up. Silicon dielectric grease after the fact.

06-17-2011, 10:25 AM	#1
into69z "brand new second-hand" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White House, Tennessee Posts: 526	what did you use to clean your fuses? I am working on cleaning up my electrical harness, checking grounds and looking for bad connections etc. I can't afford to replace the harness and the one I have isn't all cut up, so I figure I would just check and clean all connections and grounds. One area I have questions on is the fuse panel-the area where the fuses are kept-those spring tensioned metal ends-has anyone attempted to clean these? I was wondering if using a q-tip with CLR or tarnex would work. I want to try with the fuse panel in-place. What are some of the things that you guys have done to do this? __________________ Steve 69 3/4t custom camper tilt,am/fm,speed warning,air gauge,buddy buckets,aux battery, big block,p/s,p/b,a/c 67 Camaro 96 Impala ss-sold 04 hybrid Honda-saving gas for the blue truck!:b69:

06-17-2011, 10:59 AM	#2
TheSeeker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 337	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? Ive used a q-tip and baking soda and water, just a little bit works fairly well, then Ill clean it up with a tiny wire brush. I dont know if its the correct way to do it, but I havent had any trouble yet XD.

06-17-2011, 11:00 AM	#3
Roadmarks Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 157	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? I imagine TARNEX would be a good choice! A company I used to work for used it on relay contacts without a problem. When it drys, it leaves a white residue, so when you're done, be sure to clean the fuse block with alcohol and be sure that it is DRY before powering up. best wishes, Les

06-17-2011, 03:41 PM	#8
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? Never thought about doing that kind of job, but in retrospect, I have done something similar. The edge contacts on PC boards (for instance) were best cleaned by using one of the erasers that you use for erasing ballpoint ink. Art gum may also work, but the ink eraser was a little more abrasive. An electrical contact cleaner that leaves no residue and is not flammable is good. I know that WD40 will displace water and has been used many times, but I have a problem using anything that leaves a film and/or is flammable, on any circuitry that may see a spark. After using the contact cleaner, be sure to use good clean air...like the stuff used for computer keyboards, etc. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

06-17-2011, 11:43 PM	#9
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,876	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? - I've cleaned a couple that had some rust issues with my Dremel and a small round stone. The stone is about the same diameter as a fuse, maybe just a hair bigger. Worked great. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

06-18-2011, 06:52 AM	#10
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? I must say that in all my years and all my vehicles, I've never had to clean my fuses. ?? Is this a common problem for some? Guess I've been lucky all this time and didn't know it. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

06-17-2011, 12:55 PM	#12
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? I bought DeoxIT at Radio Shack. It came in a bubble pack with a small cleaner spray and a small lube spray. I've been very happy with the results. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

06-17-2011, 03:02 PM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? i spray real good with wd40 while i take my tiny cylindrical wire brushes and clean them up tthen with cotten swab apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to each contact b4 inserting fuses when doing this make sure battery is disconncted __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-19-2011, 07:38 AM	#14
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,544	Re: what did you use to clean your fuses? I've used Q-tips w/ Brasso on the contacts, followed up by tiny rolls of fine sandpaper twirled in the contact clips. Sometimes small modelers files, or Ignition files. Sometimes strips of Scotchbrite. Shots of Blue Shower to clean up. Silicon dielectric grease after the fact. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.



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