Cleaning Switches & Contacts

[Mauler34Rod]

I’m in the process of changing a dash panel on my 380DA. The boat is 23 years old and many of the switches are gummed up. I would like to clean both the case and the contacts on the switches. I was thinking to lightly rough up the contacts with emery paper and spray with a contact cleaner.
What does everyone use? I was thinking to use CRC QD ELECTRONIC CLEANER.

Amazon.com

Any recommendations or past experience?
TIA
Tim

 

[ttmott]

CRC Contact Cleaner

 

[hughespat57]

The cleaner is fine.
Be gentle disassembling and reassembling.
Do NOT rough the contacts up.
Rough surfaces will cause more arcing.
Most marine switches are silver plated sanding will remove that.
A old toothbrush or small stainless wire brush should be ok.
If all ready pitted then a fine 800 or 1200 grit paper very gently.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I wouldn't spend too much time since the female plug scratches it's way onto the male post. But, yes, CRC and a brass detail brush (lightly) would be my go to. Protecting them with something like T9 would be a good idea (especially after the connection is made). If you REALLY want to get crazy, put a very thin coat of Tef-Gel on each blade.

 

[Mauler34Rod]

The cleaner is fine.
Be gentle disassembling and reassembling.
Do NOT rough the contacts up.
Rough surfaces will cause more arcing.
Most marine switches are silver plated sanding will remove that.
A old toothbrush or small stainless wire brush should be ok.
If all ready pitted then a fine 800 or 1200 grit paper very gently.

Thanks for the tip. When you say “be gentle disassembling and reassembling” do you mean into the new dash? Because I didn’t even think of taking apart the switches. No need for that correct?
Tim

 

[hughespat57]

Thanks for the tip. When you say “be gentle disassembling and reassembling” do you mean into the new dash? Because I didn’t even think of taking apart the switches. No need for that correct?
Tim

I thought that’s what you meant.
Cleaning just the tabs the spray and small wire brush should be fine

 

[Mauler34Rod]

CRC Contact Cleaner

Thank you for confirming…ordered and on the way.

 

[Mauler34Rod]

I wouldn't spend too much time since the female plug scratches its way onto the male post. But, yes, CRC and a brass detail brush (lightly) would be my go to. Protecting them with something like T9 would be a good idea (especially after the connection is made). If you REALLY want to get crazy, put a very thin coat of Tef-Gel on each blade.

Thank you for the reply. CRC and and light brush is the ticket.