I am experiencing all kinds of interior electrical issues.
11.7 volts at the voltage gauge, no power windows, poor starting (MSD in cap)
voltage gauge light not working, interior light not working (new issue)
I am cleaning the drivers side bulkhead connector and wondered if anyone knows the properties of the goop GM used to seal it?
Is it a dielectric compound?
The reason I'm asking is, if this stuff gets in between the contacts, will it still allow a connection?
Any idea where to find a suitable replacement?
Also, does anyone know where the main dash ground connection is? On the steering column?

 

It was some kind of grease they used. It is so hard to remove. I use dielectric grease in connections when I think I need that in the joint. American Autowire says to put RTV (I believe) in the "C100" in their replacement harnesses, but I don't think I would ever do that since you would essentially be gluing it together.

I Think the main ground is to the metal part of the dash carrier, which isn't the best place and it is painted. When I put my car back together I put a wire from that location to the body so it wasn't a potential place for a ground issue, I also used foam in between all the places where the dash carrier touched the body.

 

The factory stuff comes RIGHT OUT with lacquer thinner or similar solvent (acetone, MEK). NOT "paint thinner", mineral spirits, turpentine. Just put some in a container and drop the connector in it and let it soak. Use a brush to get the last little bit out. It does allow a connection. Its purpose is to seal water out of the actual contacts.

"Bulb grease" is probably the best substitute. Permatex has it; you can get it at AZ, Walmart, etc.

 

I soaked one in Acetone for months, it's still on there good. Maybe I will try some MEK next

 

That's weird... I haven't tried to do one newer than around 87 or so, maybe they changed?

The old stuff was like black/brown tar.

Seems like most of the newer designs use inherently watertight setups, with rubber seals and the like; and the contacts are not treated. Not like the older ones that the wire cavities were completely open and therefore the contact parts of the connector had to protect their own selves somehow.

 

Yeah, same stuff.

My 73 Camaro and 69 Chevy trucks are like that with the Packard connectors, no sealing whatsoever.

 

Thanks for the tips guys!
I also read PB Blaster works to get that nasty crap out of the connector

 

Used PB Blaster tonight, works pretty well, gonna leave the connectors to soak overnight.
I got a 3 oz tube of dielectric grease to insulate the contacts once they're clean
Has anyone noticed there is a small gasket around the area where the bolt passes through the C100 connector?
Wonder where I would find one of those?
Guess I could use some silicone to seal that area