I plan to replace my ICM this weekend, assuming it arrives from the Fiero Store in time. Checking one more item off my list of potential causes of my "stumbling" problem. (also ordered the fuel pressure gauge from them as well but I'll do one at a time to try to narrow down the problem for future reference)
Read up on it here and all the cautions to use the grease but didn't see any specific product recommended. I picked up some of this stuff at the store but I'm hoping you guys can confirm it's the right stuff. Package says to "Coat both parts of terminal contact with Dielectric Grease" but I don't have a sense of how much to use. Any pointers?
------------------ John Wayne as John Bernard Books in The Shootist... " I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
My rides... 1988 GT with a 3.4L V6 automatic 2006 Harley Sportster 'cause I love the twisties on two wheels or four.
While I don't recall the specific name of the correct grease to use, it isn't dielectric grease, it should be a heat sink compound, one that aids in the transfer of heat between the bottom of the ICM and the distributor base plate. Perhaps someone with specific knowledge of the name and where to get it will chime in.
The guys at the auto parts store seemed a bit mystified when I described exactly what I was looking for. The product I bought was what they recommended. I'll be returning that!
The Fiero Store product description didn't mention that it might be included so I wanted to be sure I had it. Hopefully it will be included in the package. If not I think there might still be a Radio Shack surviving around here somewhere.
I did search this topic but I generally only search the title. I'll try opening it up a bit in the future. I hadn't heard the phrase "thermal paste" before. Thanks for the help!
The guys at the auto parts store seemed a bit mystified when I described exactly what I was looking for. The product I bought was what they recommended. I'll be returning that!
The Fiero Store product description didn't mention that it might be included so I wanted to be sure I had it. Hopefully it will be included in the package. If not I think there might still be a Radio Shack surviving around here somewhere.
I did search this topic but I generally only search the title. I'll try opening it up a bit in the future. I hadn't heard the phrase "thermal paste" before. Thanks for the help!
Sometime searching in Google gets more results about subjects we have on PFF, that's what I did and how I came up with that thread. I don't know what it is about the search thing here on the forum but I get more hit from Google to PFF than searching from the forum itself.
The O'Reilly's ICM's come with white grease and a lifetime warranty. Stop overstressing. You'll end up like me, with all kinds of extra stuff that comes with other things or isn't necessary. BTW in my experience trying to get non-China made parts just ends up with you waiting longer and paying more - for Chinese parts.
The ICM arrived from the Fiero Store on Saturday and I installed it Sunday night. It came wrapped in newspaper and did not include the thermal paste.
She fires up and drives but I haven't had a chance to really check it out yet as the problem has always been after 15 or 20 minutes of driving and my commute is 3 miles each way.
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Originally posted by 85 SE VIN 9:
The O'Reilly's ICM's come with white grease and a lifetime warranty. Stop overstressing. You'll end up like me, with all kinds of extra stuff that comes with other things or isn't necessary. BTW in my experience trying to get non-China made parts just ends up with you waiting longer and paying more - for Chinese parts.
I'm not stressing or discussing Chinese made parts... You must be thinking about another post?
Bloozberry is correct. it is "dielectric grease". try computer stores (they'll know it as "heatsink past for processors".Usually comes in small syringe, also the places mentioned above.
It is important to use it! will help your unit last a lot longer.
If you're running the ICM without the thermal compound, you may be looking at a quick failure. The clear compound that comes with some ICM's doesn't have as much solids to transfer heat. These are the Radio Shack compounds. The first one the page is white and has worked very well for me and others in our club. The last one is silver and many on this forum have recommended it as being the best. I know nothing about the middle one. http://www.radioshack.com/s...heatsink+grease&sr=1
Dielectric grease is used to insulate electrical contacts and to help prevent corrosion. Blooz is correct that its NOT for heat transfer.
I had to make a special trip out on Sunday since the Fiero Store did not include the heat sink paste - heat sink grease. Neither Autozone or O'Rielly's carry the stuff, and Autozone actually recommended the Dielectric Grease for my purpose.
I did find the correct thermal paste stuff (not the dielectric grease) at Radio Shack so thanks for that suggestion guys!
[This message has been edited by Rsvl-Rider (edited 07-22-2014).]
FWIW, one of my local Napa's has small packages of thermal paste they throw in with purchases like this. The owner of the Napa does own a couple Fiero's though
Just as an FYI (in case there aren't any Radio Shacks near you), I bought some heat sink compound from Auto Zone a few days ago. It's Well's # SL203 and is $1.99. I bought 2 so I would have some if the need arises again. One box came with 2 small packets of the stuff and the other just one, so I don't know if I lucked out on the one or lost out on the other.....either way, it's well worth the money to have the proper stuff.
Bloozbery is correct, its NOT dielectric grease. Sorry for my mistyping. Between my poor vision & fat thumbs I shouldn't be trying to post from a smart phone. I'll try to be more careful in the future.
