Dibsen

Can anyone tell me why my ground wires seem to attract dirt/grease/oil?

is this a polarity thing?

haven't really come across an issue like this on other cars before. Makes me wonder if it’s a “S thing”.

thanks

Near the right/passenger side…

…and same on the left/drivers side

This is as close as I could zoom in.

just wanted to asked before I cleaned it up.

Car Analogy

Dirt clings to grease. Grease used to keep grounds from corroding.

Degrease the area, but then put a dap of something on grounds to keep from corroding.

Dibsen

Mineral spirits cut through it pretty well

spider2k

i use this for everything now. it cleans dirt and grease from metal, plastic contacts, pins whatever. dries super fast, no residue. it's my new favorite thing.

https://www.wd40.com/products/specia...parts-cleaner/

zeroptzero

Despite them looking bad they really are protected from surface corrosion and they still function as good as clean wires. The grease remains to protect them but dirt attracts to the grease. Nothing wrong with cleaning them but you should apply a new coating of grease to keep them protected, that in turn attracts dirt again.

cosmomiller

Dialectic grease (3M) from auto parts store also works. 400 degrees melting point. Great stuff and it is clear.

windhund116

After a time, this will probably attract dust, too.

As another grounding point cover option, I have used ASI 388 silicone sealer. Just need a thin, even layer.



This is a nice product. And it doesn't have the usual "vinegar smell" while curing.

The area MUST be clean (no remaining grease). Use Simple Green for the heavy stuff. Then a rag and isopropanol for the final clean-up.

.

spider2k

i just use spray paint, y'all fancy

windhund116

Do you actually spray paint onto the grounding points?

I hope the colors match up well.

spider2k

depends on where it is, but yes. clean it up and hit it with some paint. seals it from the elements and for the most part they are hidden so even some black rattle can is fine. no maintenance. i like to take off the ground bolt and remove the bit of paint where the terminals touch the metal. its pointless i'm sure but after many years of installing car electronics i'm picky about grounds. the paint was a habit from back then. if i had to clean a spot in a car underneath or under carpet or behind a panel i would hit it with a quick shot of paint to make sure it never corroded and i wouldn't have to deal with it later.