Sealant around the spark plug wire exiting the coil

[charliec]

Hello,

Question:  I will be replacing the spark plug wire (and boot) that screws into the Prestolite ignition coil.  I realize many individuals believe that moisture getting inside these coil causes them to stop working ( i.e., blue coil of death).  Therefore, when I replace the wire ( i.e., screw it in), does anybody have experience adding some form of sealant around the wire and onto the epoxy where the wire exists the coil?  I was thinking about using something like Permatex Moto-Seal but I have no idea if it will seal onto epoxy resin. In addition, is there any electrical consideration ( e.g., could it melt or catch fire with the electrical current running through it)? 

Thanks in advance.

Charlie

[okie]

I've seen some sealants especially silcone that will corrode electrical connections.

I got the bright idea of instead of taping electrical connections, especially in places where the tape was had to wrap I would seal and insulate the connections with silcone and also make them water proof. I noticed sometimes later that when I peeled off the silcone the connections and terminals were in really bad shape, some corroded, some rusty due to the silcone even where not subjected to water or moisture The silcone was corroding the connections. I determined that their are acid cure sealants and neutral cure sealants. The type sealant I was using was the Automotive Permatex gasket maker type.

If I used anything down inside the coil before I installed the twist in wire it would be Dielectric terminal grease for electrical connections then twist in the ign wire then little in the boot and then slide the boot down onto the coil tower.
My opinion of the Magnetos and Blue coil of death is due to poor design and moisture can enter at other places that the coil tower, the kill switch terminal, etc.

You can review this on-line with lots of info:
Also now days and with-in about last year the NEW Blue coil of death replacements that were non existent or priced out of site and not reliable, some being baked, are priced reasonable, such as Standard Magneto at about $50 and Anzac mods at less than $20 therefore I would not be too concerned about trying to weatherproof the magneto.

[charliec]

Okie,

Thanks for the reply. I already planned to use dieletric grease on the ends of the wire. Your insight regarding the acid/natural cure sealants is gold, I will keep that in mind in the future. I will call the Permatex helpline/tech support line tomorrow and listen to what they have to say on the subject of their sealants and electrical connections.

I do get your point about the cost of potential replacements in the last couple years (i.e. cheaper options for replacement). I don't worry too much about the water penetration I just like to be through and conscientious when I do a job. I have already started to research the Anzac, Husky 55 coil that a couple of people have made comments about for my Super XL. However, if I understand it correctly, this particular swap out requires drilling a new hole for mounting purposes. This by itself is no big deal, but I would like to hear/learn more before I start drilling new holes ( i.e. late adopter vs. early leader) especially when it comes to my 40+ year old saw.

I will update my comments on this board once I talk with the tech support group at Permatex.

Charlie

[charliec]

Follow-up/comments after contacting multiple companies/manufactures

Hello all,

I am frustrated with both Permatex and 3M. Permatex does not have a telephone tech support line it is all handled through email...I asked multiple questions and got responses that did not fully answer questions and then the multiple follow-up questions that could have been handles on a 5 minute phone call takes hours for turn around emails that only generate more questions.... While email is great for many things it stinks for tech support!
I then contacted 3M and after about 5 minutes of being transferred from one division to another ( i.e., nobody seems to know what the other divisions make) since each division has their own help desk. Bottom-line, either I did not speak with the right division or they do not have a product solution. These corporations are just getting too big and have become too disconnected from their customer base.

I found a smaller company in Fort Wayne Indiana, ASI (American Sealants Inc. 1-800-325-7040) that makes a product out of 100% silicone that is a natural/neutral cure ( i.e., no acids) and designed for electronic components (temp range from -70 degrees F - 450 degrees F, UV stable, good thermal cycle attributes, adheres to epoxy (need to clean well before application), zero shrinkage rate, etc).. In my mind it checks all the boxes. The product is branded/labeled ASI 388 and comes in a 2,8 oz tube or larger caulk gun tubes(10.4oz). The only issue is the price.... On Amazon, the 2.8oz tube is $9.99. The larger tubes are much cheaper by the ounce but I only need a small amount. Granted, it can be used on other projects and the manufacturer gives it an unopened shelf life of 1 year from date of shipment from their facility. In other words, just like most caulk products they dry up if not used in a relatively short period of time. My experience, tells me 6 mos. max once opened. The only downside I found was that it only comes in white for the small tube.

Some additional information, if you need the larger tube or multiple tubes (e.g., building a shop or electrical equipment on a regular basis) they sell a very similar product (if not the exact same product) that does not come with all the UL certifications which drives the cost up in my opinion ( i.e. testing costs). The product is ASI 335 vs 388 and it comes in multiple colors ( e.g., white, clear, black, aluminum, etc.) and is cheaper to purchase. Granted I would call their tech support to clarify the differences before buying. However, this product does not come in the smaller 2.8 oz tube.

[okie]

Mentioning storage life of sealants.
I use this stuff quite often plus others, Permatex 81878 3 Oz Ultra Copper RTV Silicone Gasket Maker
and K&W copper coat gasket compound in the can
plus
Super Glue and Garden seeds in a old OPERATING Refrigerator in my shop.

The slicones, glues, gaskets makers lasts almost forever and the garden seeds about 3 years.

Thanks for your info about a non acid silcone.
AND

I've experienced just what you say about sending out emails trying to find tech support for their items.
Seems I have to ONLY ASK one question at a time. If I put more than one question in the same email they get confused and get on the wrong page or only answer one question half Axed.