Hello, Could anyone tell me if thermal paste is to be put on the fender before mounting power stage? I know it should go between the unit and its mount but what about between the mount and fender? Grazie mille in advance.
--
"So many donuts, so little time."

Squeak;

In an automotive environment with temperature changes, condensation, out and out soaking by rain [and worse] water under the hood, rubber boots, shrink tubing, O-rings, tape, etc are all temporary and not effective in the long-term, because they are not hermetic/gas-tight seals...if you want a PERMANENT protection from environmental attack for your electrical connections, use Anti-Corrosive Zinc Paste (NO! not dielectric Grease!)... it'll protect your connections...including SUBMERGED (if that should ever come up...ie. Chappaquiddick)! See: http://www.sw-em.com/anti_corrosive_paste.htm

I've been using it and recommending it for all low voltage connections (not Ign Hi-V) on the Brickboard 444-140 subforums for years - no decades!, and sending it out with my upgrade kits for use on connections...no complaints yet!!...and no intermittent electrical gremlins afterwards either! I've been convincing and converting one vintage vehicle owner at a time...maybe you should consider using it too...see link!

Cheers

No. Only put the paste between the unit and its aluminium mount. The plain white zinc oxide thermal paste/grease is good enough. Renew in 5 to 6 years later. In my tropical climate no overheating issue.

Regards,
Amarin.

Hey Amarin, Thanks very much for quick the response! I am chasing a no start issue. Replaced the power stage not that long ago but when ever it rains, water seems to be channeled directly to the power stage area. I was wondering if that could cause it to fail.
Thank you again!
--
"So many donuts, so little time."

Maybe my recent answer in another thread could help.

See:
https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1654943/940/960/980/V90/S90/1993_940_link_instrument_lights_start.html

The power stage's connection is faced downwards and there should be a square rubber gasket within push-in connector part. Check if yours is there. If its not there you may use some rubber band for a while.

If there is any break at the black rubber boot covering the power stage connector rainwater might accumulate within the cable protective sleeve. Repair with black electrical tape covering from connector to protective sleeve.

And if your distributor is mounted at engine's camshaft end, rainwater could get to it from the wiper scutter area. There should be a protective rubber rail running lengthwise along the edge of scutter. Ensure the rubber rail is intact. A water-repellant spray like WD40 into the distributor should help too.

Regards,
Amarin.

Thank you again Amarin. The boot seems to be fine but moisture is still getting in. I will try tape and/or rubber band. I like the rubber band idea. I need to find one of those big beefy one-inch wide suckers.
--
"So many donuts, so little time."

Hi,

Just sitting here thinking about what you are saying about using a big wide rubber band and thought he must have better rubber bands in his stores than I have seen.
Most, if not all I get, rot very quickly. A few months out in the air some actually get sticky to themselves or crumble.

Then ... I got to thinking! I know that hurts, but I take a small aspirin a day anyway, so now has a dual purpose.
The thought was, you need to introduce yourself to polyolefin heat shrink tubings, found in some electronics stores. They come in kits or four foot lengths.
It comes in both tiny and humongous diameters in different mil of thickness.
I have seen 4-5 inch diameters in my store but carry a check book or credit for those!
Some have a two to one reduction ratio. This gives you a lot of latitude to get it over things and come down on things tightly.

Anyway, to seal the ends you could use weatherstripping found in your local hardware stores.
You want to get the neoprene "closed cell" flavor of these in thin narrow or wide rolls. It's self adhesive on one side. I'm sure you have seen it. The heat shrink makes it all look smooth and colorful, if you like!

Thinking some more, since you are into donuts, you go with a "O" Rings stretched into the grooves of a housing and then put heat shrink over the whole works.
Done nicely either of these should be a decently weather resistant setup for lot of connectors.

Phil

Excellent! Thank you. I especially like the donut idea!
--
"So many donuts, so little time."