Dielectric Grease?

[HaynStang]

So I feel dumb asking such a newb question, but I can't figure this out:

Where are you supposed to apply dielectric grease? To electrical contacts, to the areas around them, or both???

I'm putting in fresh plugs today and from the package I can't tell if I'm supposed to put this stuff on the actual terminals of my plugs and wires; or if I'm supposed to put it on the ceramic insulators of the plugs and on the inside of the plug boots (or everywhere?). Does it conduct electricity?

 

[87GTSnake]

Put a small amount inside both ends of each plug wire.

 

[Mustang5L5]

electrical contact points. Yes it does conduct electricity. What it does is prevents arcing at points of contact by protecting the point against corrosion which leads to higher resistance.

Don't slop it on however, just give the plug tip a light coat and a dab on the ends of the plug wires. Also use it on the cap and coil plug tip

 

[HISSIN50]

Hmmm, I didnt think it did conduct. The terminals still have a 'contact' connection and the dielectric (which is an insulator by definition AFAIK) is all around the connection to keep it from corroding, dissipating heat, etc.

 

[Mustang5L5]

It's not conductive to the point where you could run voltage across is and power a bulb, but it does "assist"

 

[Lemonade]

Protects electrical connections and wiring from salt, dirt and corrosion. Extends the life of bulb sockets. Prevents voltage leakage around any electrical connection. Also prevents spark plugs from fusing to boots. Required for modern high energy ignition systems.

Suggested Applications: Marine and automotive electrical connections, spark plug boots, trailer hitches, battery terminals

FWIW,
Lems

 

[glowstang93]

It is also good for keeping weatherstripping supple or pliable. I keep a big tube of it in my tool box. Those little bitty packets or small tubes are way too expensive for what little you get in them.

 

[HaynStang]

My plug wire boots were sticking to the plugs, so I put a light coat of it on the ceramic part of the plugs and around the inside of the boots. Sounds like this is fine to do? I just wasn't sure how conductive it was and didn't want to put it somewhere it might cause a leak of current.

 

[HISSIN50]

My plug wire boots were sticking to the plugs, so I put a light coat of it on the ceramic part of the plugs and around the inside of the boots. Sounds like this is fine to do? I just wasn't sure how conductive it was and didn't want to put it somewhere it might cause a leak of current.

That should be fine. It helps suppress voltage leaks, not create them.