Replacing Temp Switch

[merheb]

I am replacing the temperature switch and the temperature/SLOW switch in a 1996 Johnson 130HP and was wondering about how to install them.<br /><br />The temp switch had what appeared to be some grease on it when I pulled it out but the other one (temp/SLOW switch) did not have anything on it. What should I use and should I use it on both switches. How should I clean the "old" grease?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Freddie

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Replacing Temp Switch

That's dielectric grease. The overheat sensor only has one wire coming out of it. The other "wire" is ground. The grease helps in heat transfer, but mostly it prevents corrosion between the head and sensor. A 2-wire sensor doesn't ground and corrosion isn't so much of a problem, but you can still put dielectric grease in it for better heat transfer. Regular grease isn't a good idea as some act as insulation. You can get dielectric grease many places. A bit tough to find though.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Replacing Temp Switch

Try your local auto parts store. Dielectric grease is used on spark plugs to help seal out the elements and promote good contact between plug and boot.<br /><br />Mark.

 

[realboats]

Re: Replacing Temp Switch

Hi. I just tested out my temperature switches and replaced one of them. Gave them the ol' dip in the hot crankcase oil routine as described in the manual. The manual also says to use OMC Gasket Sealing Compound around the switch before putting back in its cavity. <br /><br />Using dielectric grease for this makes more sense to me. I'm wondering why the manual recommends gasket sealer unless OMC is trying to save you from keeping yet another tube of something in stock? <br /><br />While on the subject of dielectric grease, I've used it on electrical connectors and trailer lights but never on spark plugs, which the tube says it was intended for. Do most people use it on the plug wires? And as long as I'm drifting off the topic, I use Triple Guard grease on the spark plug threads. Is this ok?<br /><br />Thanks!