Noalox substitute?

[Renrav]

I bought my first and only Reo of the classifieds, so I didn't get the "goodies" that come with it. I haven't had any issues, but I want to maintain it correctly so that I never do have any. I'll probably end up just getting some of the right stuff, but I was wondering what else might work. I'm an auto mechanic so I have access to about half a gazillion various compounds and greases at work. I'm wondering about two in particular:

Anti-seize - I read that noalox acts as an anti-sieze so I thought of this stuff first. It's pretty all-purpose. I'll use it on steel, iron, and aluminum threads. It's opaque and usually has metal flakes in it.

Dielectric grease - This is in the little packet the parts store always tries to sell you when you buy any exterior bulbs. It helps to make a better connection and keeps the bulb from seizing to its socket if it's exposed to any moisture. It's usually clear.

Would either of these work in a pinch, or should I just stay away from them?

 

[whiskey]

I have heard that some modders use Vasiline...seriously...

 

[mwa102464]

Dielectric grease will work as well,,,, Home Depot sells the Noalox

 

[Big Hitter]

Anti-seize .... No

Dielectric grease .... should work.

Honestly though you have time to get some Noalox .... Its a lifetime supply when you buy it

Or you could be like me and just keep the contacts and your battery terminals cleaned with alcohol wipes and never use the Noalox Seriously 11 months and never a problem.

 

[mlinky]

I can't tell you about those particular products, but it must be (1) an anti-oxidant and (2) conductive.

The Noalox bottle states that it is an anti-oxidant joint compound that reduces galling and seizing and promotes good ground continuity.

Just in case you decide to get some, a 4 oz bottle (about a 100 year supply for REO purposes) is $5 at Home Depot.

 

[emus]

Conductivity of noalox is over rated; need metal to metal contact for conductivity.
Anti-seize and dielectric grease are messy.
All greases are dirt magnets so must be replaced often when using in a dirty environment.
Grease can help slow oxidation where metal to metal contact isn't intimate.

I use Vaseline for aluminum threads and keep electrical contacts dry and clean.
My goal is to prevent galling.
I have dielectric grease and anti-sieze but don't like the mess.

 

[mlinky]

You don't need the anti-seizing, anti-galling properties for a REO, and it doesn't create a mess. You only use a small bit on the tip of the firing pin where it contacts the positive nipple of the battery.

 

[Big Hitter]

It is sticky though and even in tiny amounts it promotes any foreign substance to stick right where you don't want it.

I'm living proof that if you keep it clean there is no need for noalox.

I clean the firing pin often with alcohol Q-tips and wipe the battery contacts with those disposable tiny alcohol pads they use before you get a shot at the docs. I do this every time before I put them in the charger.

 

[Renrav]

Ok, well I'll probably just wait until I can make it to Home Depot and get some actual noalox. I guess it's not a vital thing and can wait a couple weeks. I'll just keep it cleaned with alcohol until then. I figured I could probably use dielectric grease but I'll get the real stuff. It's totally worth $5 to keep a fantastic mod working perfectly. Thanks for all the help.

 

[mlinky]

When you look for it at Home Depot, it is in the electrical department, either on a shelf with miscellaneous small parts, or on a hanger.

 

[Mudflap]

I found it on a hanger at the end of an aisle. You know, when you turn the corner and they have little stuff hung up on that small surface area on either end.

 

[pianoguy]

Dielectric grease is non-conductive. A friend has been using Vaseline on all the grounds on his car for 20+ years. OxGard is a good substitute for Noalox if you can't find it.

 

[emus]

Dielectric grease is non-conductive. A friend has been using Vaseline on all the grounds on his car for 20+ years. OxGard is a good substitute for Noalox if you can't find it.

I've used dielectric grease and axle grease on my car's electrical connections for more years than I care to mention.
When the bulbs eventually fail they come out easily and the socket is still shinny under the grease.
Have not found an advantage of dielectric over axle grease.
I prefer grease that doesn't separate or dry out.
Haven't tried Vaseline on car; might give it a go.

 

[zodduska]

I wonder if something like DeoxIT Pro Gold would be better suited to this application if carefully applied with a Q-tip?

DeoxIT® Gold G-Series

I use it for all my audio equipment connections to improve conductivity.. I think I'm gonna try it.

 

[Bowtie]

It is sticky though and even in tiny amounts it promotes any foreign substance to stick right where you don't want it.

I'm living proof that if you keep it clean there is no need for noalox.

I clean the firing pin often with alcohol Q-tips and wipe the battery contacts with those disposable tiny alcohol pads they use before you get a shot at the docs. I do this every time before I put them in the charger.

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