Maintaining A Fischer Connector

silentscuba · 6th June 2008, 15:04

Quote: (Originally Posted by n2diving)

A note about Deoxit.... there are actually a several different formulations... Standard Deoxit, (the one in your picture shows both standard and gold formulations) and most generic 'contact cleaners' (your picture shows CRC), have too harsh a cleaning action on the precious metal plating of the contacts... my source on this was CAIG Labs. Some of the Deoxit brand formulations found in Radio Shack contains petroleum distilates, and is not always friendly to some of the other components found on rebreathers and particularly harsh on some types of o-rings. There is a Deoxit Gold G5 formulation which widely sold that also contains petroleum distilates. More difficult to find is Deoxit Gold GN5 formulation. The GN5 formulation contains no petrolum distilates, and is also friendlier to some plastics, and has a less powerful cleaning action. If you 'see green' then it might take several applications to clean the corrosion, but the patience with the less harsh formulation is probably wise.

Rather than use mineral oil, I've found following a dive trip, that blowing dry the connectors and then a liberal appication of the Deoxit Gold GN5 formulation works as well to coat and protect the connection.

Good information, thanks.

I use mineral oil because it works well, has been proven with the test of time and is inexpensive.

So far

, the process and products I have been using has only produced positive results.

silentscuba · 9th June 2008, 16:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by w ripley)

Curt:

What are your thoughts on keeping the female side packed with silicone grease?

I ask that as during a phone conversation with my CCR manufacturer that was suggested.

Bill

As long as the silicone grease is not conductive or resistive in anyway that sounds like that would work also. Maybe a little harder to inspect for corrosion if it does get started somehow. Silicone grease would keep the water out and coat the electrical surfaces.

w ripley · 9th June 2008, 17:06

Quote: (Originally Posted by silentscuba)

As long as the silicone grease is not conductive or resistive in anyway that sounds like that would work also. Maybe a little harder to inspect for corrosion if it does get started somehow. Silicone grease would keep the water out and coat the electrical surfaces.

Thanks,

Bill

4ster · 9th June 2008, 17:12

Thanks for the post Curt!

I've been giving the sealing surface on the male plug a light whisper of O2 lube in addition to the mineral oil applied internally. I know O2 lube isn't needed here, silicone grease is what Shearwater recommends in their FAQ, but it is what I have handy when I am assembling stuff.

If anyone has trouble getting the oral syringe, I found a very small eyedropper and bottle as an alternative for applying mineral oil in the "natural supplements" section of my local Co-op food store. The ones in the drug stores were a lot larger.

dmo85471 · 15th June 2008, 09:06

Thanks for the post Curt
In Western Australia I am not sure that we can get Minrel oil. mSo what is its normal use? then I can match it us with an oil here. maybe Paraffin oil

David

silentscuba · 15th June 2008, 15:06

Quote: (Originally Posted by dmo85471)

Thanks for the post Curt
In Western Australia I am not sure that we can get Minrel oil. mSo what is its normal use? then I can match it us with an oil here. maybe Paraffin oil

David

It says on the label:

" Lubricant Laxative"

"For relief of occasional constipation"

You should be able to find it in any drug store or pharmacy.

sunkmail · 21st June 2008, 06:39

Quote: (Originally Posted by silentscuba)

As long as the silicone grease is not conductive or resistive in anyway that sounds like that would work also. Maybe a little harder to inspect for corrosion if it does get started somehow. Silicone grease would keep the water out and coat the electrical surfaces.

Ok, this may be a stupid question ....

Mineral Oil is a distilled petroleum by-product - doesn't that mean bad things for the o-rings?

silentscuba · 12th July 2008, 23:19

Quote: (Originally Posted by sunkmail)

Ok, this may be a stupid question ....

Mineral Oil is a distilled petroleum by-product - doesn't that mean bad things for the o-rings?

The o-ring in the Fischer Connector does not seem to have a negative reaction to Food Grade Mineral Oil.

Jeff H> · 12th September 2008, 04:04

There are "greases" specifically designed for electrical connections. The product is a "dielectric connector grease", that is usually a 100% silicone based sealant. Available at most auto repair stores or marine supply stores. Designed for all electronic connections, including spark plug cables; they "prevent corrosion, resists arcing, eases disassembly, and waterproofs". Versa Chem Corp is the maker of one brand, part number 15330. Take very little to cover, you are applying a thin film over the metal. It looks and feels like a very thin / lite wgt silicone grease. Routinely use this on marine electric fittings, campers, and auto/van electric fittings. Works as advertised.

RZEP17 · 13th September 2008, 15:50

Perfect timing Curt!
On my last dive, my VR3 was showing PPO2 of up to 4.93, which I found suspicious considering I was doing the 20' stop.

Upon unplugging Fisher, at home, I found a nasty green staff inside.
Have some green, that is nice green, for that post.
rgrds
Tomek

6th June 2008, 15:04	#11 (permalink)
silentscuba rEvo CCR Driver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic rEvo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mill Creek, WA USA Posts: 612	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Quote: (Originally Posted by n2diving) A note about Deoxit.... there are actually a several different formulations... Standard Deoxit, (the one in your picture shows both standard and gold formulations) and most generic 'contact cleaners' (your picture shows CRC), have too harsh a cleaning action on the precious metal plating of the contacts... my source on this was CAIG Labs. Some of the Deoxit brand formulations found in Radio Shack contains petroleum distilates, and is not always friendly to some of the other components found on rebreathers and particularly harsh on some types of o-rings. There is a Deoxit Gold G5 formulation which widely sold that also contains petroleum distilates. More difficult to find is Deoxit Gold GN5 formulation. The GN5 formulation contains no petrolum distilates, and is also friendlier to some plastics, and has a less powerful cleaning action. If you 'see green' then it might take several applications to clean the corrosion, but the patience with the less harsh formulation is probably wise. Rather than use mineral oil, I've found following a dive trip, that blowing dry the connectors and then a liberal appication of the Deoxit Gold GN5 formulation works as well to coat and protect the connection. Good information, thanks. I use mineral oil because it works well, has been proven with the test of time and is inexpensive. So far, the process and products I have been using has only produced positive results. __________________ Curt McNamee rEvo CCR Diver KISS CCR Diver www.silentscuba.com
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9th June 2008, 16:53	#12 (permalink)
silentscuba rEvo CCR Driver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic rEvo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mill Creek, WA USA Posts: 612	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Quote: (Originally Posted by w ripley) Curt: What are your thoughts on keeping the female side packed with silicone grease? I ask that as during a phone conversation with my CCR manufacturer that was suggested. Bill As long as the silicone grease is not conductive or resistive in anyway that sounds like that would work also. Maybe a little harder to inspect for corrosion if it does get started somehow. Silicone grease would keep the water out and coat the electrical surfaces. __________________ Curt McNamee rEvo CCR Diver KISS CCR Diver www.silentscuba.com
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9th June 2008, 17:06	#13 (permalink)
w ripley Customise Me! Current Rebreather/s: Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norfolk VA USA Posts: 148	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Quote: (Originally Posted by silentscuba) As long as the silicone grease is not conductive or resistive in anyway that sounds like that would work also. Maybe a little harder to inspect for corrosion if it does get started somehow. Silicone grease would keep the water out and coat the electrical surfaces. Thanks, Bill
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9th June 2008, 17:12	#14 (permalink)
4ster Steve Sprague Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arlington, Washington Posts: 302	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Thanks for the post Curt! I've been giving the sealing surface on the male plug a light whisper of O2 lube in addition to the mineral oil applied internally. I know O2 lube isn't needed here, silicone grease is what Shearwater recommends in their FAQ, but it is what I have handy when I am assembling stuff. If anyone has trouble getting the oral syringe, I found a very small eyedropper and bottle as an alternative for applying mineral oil in the "natural supplements" section of my local Co-op food store. The ones in the drug stores were a lot larger. __________________ Steve "My problem is that I have trouble reconciling my gross habits with my net income." Errol Flynn
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15th June 2008, 09:06	#15 (permalink)
dmo85471 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: australia Posts: 77	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Thanks for the post Curt In Western Australia I am not sure that we can get Minrel oil. mSo what is its normal use? then I can match it us with an oil here. maybe Paraffin oil David
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15th June 2008, 15:06	#16 (permalink)
silentscuba rEvo CCR Driver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic rEvo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mill Creek, WA USA Posts: 612	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Quote: (Originally Posted by dmo85471) Thanks for the post Curt In Western Australia I am not sure that we can get Minrel oil. mSo what is its normal use? then I can match it us with an oil here. maybe Paraffin oil David It says on the label: " Lubricant Laxative" "For relief of occasional constipation" You should be able to find it in any drug store or pharmacy. __________________ Curt McNamee rEvo CCR Diver KISS CCR Diver www.silentscuba.com
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21st June 2008, 06:39	#17 (permalink)
sunkmail New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 40	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Quote: (Originally Posted by silentscuba) As long as the silicone grease is not conductive or resistive in anyway that sounds like that would work also. Maybe a little harder to inspect for corrosion if it does get started somehow. Silicone grease would keep the water out and coat the electrical surfaces. Ok, this may be a stupid question .... Mineral Oil is a distilled petroleum by-product - doesn't that mean bad things for the o-rings?
(Online)

12th July 2008, 23:19	#18 (permalink)
silentscuba rEvo CCR Driver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic rEvo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mill Creek, WA USA Posts: 612	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Quote: (Originally Posted by sunkmail) Ok, this may be a stupid question .... Mineral Oil is a distilled petroleum by-product - doesn't that mean bad things for the o-rings? The o-ring in the Fischer Connector does not seem to have a negative reaction to Food Grade Mineral Oil. __________________ Curt McNamee rEvo CCR Diver KISS CCR Diver www.silentscuba.com
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12th September 2008, 04:04	#19 (permalink)
Jeff H> New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Yorktown, Virginia, USA Posts: 2	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector There are "greases" specifically designed for electrical connections. The product is a "dielectric connector grease", that is usually a 100% silicone based sealant. Available at most auto repair stores or marine supply stores. Designed for all electronic connections, including spark plug cables; they "prevent corrosion, resists arcing, eases disassembly, and waterproofs". Versa Chem Corp is the maker of one brand, part number 15330. Take very little to cover, you are applying a thin film over the metal. It looks and feels like a very thin / lite wgt silicone grease. Routinely use this on marine electric fittings, campers, and auto/van electric fittings. Works as advertised.
(Offline)

13th September 2008, 15:50	#20 (permalink)
RZEP17 RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 78	Re: Maintaining A Fischer Connector Perfect timing Curt! On my last dive, my VR3 was showing PPO2 of up to 4.93, which I found suspicious considering I was doing the 20' stop. Upon unplugging Fisher, at home, I found a nasty green staff inside. Have some green, that is nice green, for that post. rgrds Tomek
(Offline)

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