Originally Posted by 1854sailor
Originally Posted by CooperMan
Never had a problem if you re-assemble whilst 'wet' or you could use fancy dielectric grease just in the bulb holder


This has come up on several automobile Forums that I follow. By definition, dielectric grease is an insulating compound so I can't figure out why it is recommended to apply it to contacts in order to improve conductivity. Clean the contacts and tighten them if possible by squeezing them together with a pair of needle nose pliers, insert the bulb, then apply the dielectric grease to keep the moisture out...

That's correct and silicone grease is a good dielectric but more importantly it repels moisture and the points of electrical contact push a thin smear of the grease out of the way to the extent electrical continuity remains, and bulb removal remains easy. Think lesser of two evils where rust definitely disrupts conductivity. This is why it's recommended so often. I also put a thin smear on horn ring too.

Richard

2018 Roadster 3.7
1966 Land Rover S2a 88
2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
1945 Guzzi Airone