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WD-40

C

CLTX

Member
I'm not trying to step on any toes, offend anyone or start a controversy, but I'd like to know the actual facts regarding the use of WD-40 to remove moisture in electrical systems. I read many years ago that WD-40 should never be used on electrical components such as ignition systems or electronics. I also was told the same thing by two different electronic technicians. Supposedly, one of the compounds used in the manufacture of WD-40 will eventually cause a breakdown in the insulation of the wiring. Prior to that time, I had used WD-40 on ignition system three times, and in each case, within a year, all electrical system wiring had to be replaced. A radio repairman and a radar technician both told me the same thing. All recommended LPS, among other things, as a good substitute.

My question is: Is there any validity in the above, and, if so, has the formulation have been changed? Is WD-40 getting a bum rap?
 
My suggestion is spray silicone for drying and conditioning ignition wires. Oil based lubricants can damage certain rubber compounds.
 
My recommendation for ignition wires would be spray silicone. Depending on the rubber, oil based lubricants are not recommended.
 
I am pretty sure WD-40 is a combination of
Wintergreen Oil and petroleum distillates.
Long term these ingredients probably wouldn't
be good to use for this purpose.
 
WD-40 is real good for ocean fishing as its made from fish oil, spray it on your lures before dumping them into the drink.
I agree use a good silicone spray for all electrical connection. The plastic coated wires don't need anything but a wipe down with a good dry rag. i just leave mine along they will dry out when you run the engine. You should make sure that you are using copper wire plug wires not carbon type. Napa has them in kits of 4 or 8 cylinder.
Walt
 
Water Displacer number 40 was supposedly the 40th concoction tried way back when to dry ignition systems.

There are many claims for what it might do, and some it may actually do. Its not much as a penetrating and lubricating oil. To me it acts mostly like kerosene.

Gerald J.
 
about 25 yrs ago i hit some high water and drowned out my ol truck.i fiddled with it for a short time then this old fellow stops and ask what the problem was i told him so he reaches behind his seat pulled out a can of wd-40 sprayed my wires and distributor cap and said now fire it up sure enough it started right up.RICK
 
WD-40 does in fact displace water, but yes it does in fact have side affects also.
Wd-40 works as a starter fluid and that in fact is one bad side affect when used on zap-u-tron stuff it can and will make a big bang if you do not use it just right.
WD-40 also works to help arthritis if you rub it in the that area. Yep that is fact also.
WD-40 works well to clean fishing reels and other thing like that. Also fact BTDT when I worked for a tackle shop.
Lots of other things it is good for also but lots of things it is bad for if used wrong
 
In our small engine shop we always used wd-40 as a starter fluid until around 1997 when they removed propane as the propellant due to a bad accident.It lost its effectiveness then.Sometimes you can find an old can at a yard sale(look on the back) , if it doesn"t list propane as a propellant it might be ok for a temporary lubricant but not much else.
 
Reported that fish like the taste/smell of it. I also heard that fish oil is probably used in its make up. That would explain a lot. Don't know for sure as its composition is a closely guarded secret.
 
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