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Mysterious Ectoplasm 2009 HHR

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Old Jul 14, 2025 | 11:31 PM
  #31  
Bonez's Avatar
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Originally Posted by donbrew
I'm still trying to figure out what name I could possibly call or argue about.
The simple answer is "I don't know". The pics look like green anti freeze not goo. The only way I can figure is that someone is spraying something green on it, maybe some sort of engine cleaner? There is no liquid that color that lives under the hood of a stock HHR.
Again, do not use silicone anywhere that it could get into the exhaust flow or the O2 sensors. It is deadly to sensors and catalyst.

O2 sensors have a through hole in them because the way they work is to compare the ambient air to the exhaust gas. Any silicone on the outside can get inside.
The only silicone Ive seen commented on is for the connectors, not fittings or O2 sensor install. Used to prevent corrosion from water in the connectors, no way to get into the system
Old Jul 14, 2025 | 11:33 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by PulpFriction
“Dielectric grease” is technically not an accurate term. It is a common usage term for grease with a high dielectric strength, I.e., it’s a good insulator. Such products also are designed to have a low film strength so that a good electrical contact is still achieved. Some greases (not “dielectric”) contain conductive ingredients like graphite and (somewhat counterintuitively) would be terrible for protecting electrical connections.

The same principles would apply to “dialectic compound,” a term which may be ment to differentiate it from a product intended for lubrication, which grease implies.

One common was dielectric grease for lubricating ignition points cams. But “bulb grease, is obviously not intended for lubrication, just another term for the same stuff.

I’m sure various products have various ingredients, and that the purveyors will extoll their superiority.

This comment is not copypasta, it’s just my quick explanation, not carefully edited, ‘cause I don’t feel like it right now.
when I worked for the water department we used DOW Dialectic Grease or compound on electronic meter reading devices that would be exposed to water, moisture or even submerged.... But we just called it Duck Butter.
Old Jul 15, 2025 | 08:14 AM
  #33  
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Okay, use silicone with gay abandon. Ignore all cautions.
Old Jul 15, 2025 | 10:56 AM
  #34  
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geg
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This is the composition that one of my friends from the USA sent me, unfortunately he is not with us now. Every time I insulate another connector, I remember him with a kind word.
and yes - there is silicone
https://www.permatex.com/wp-content/...OZ-22058-1.jpg
Old Jul 15, 2025 | 11:13 AM
  #35  
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Same stuff I’ve used for years!
Old Jul 15, 2025 | 08:17 PM
  #36  
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Jeg's and Bosch agree with donbrew.
Old Jul 15, 2025 | 10:18 PM
  #37  
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From: New York
Gads! I opened the floodgates!

Here is the update for my ectomorphous HHR:

I installed the O2 sensor today ($14. on ebay) And put in the new MAF sensor ($16, ebay). The car still stuttered and shook so I disconnected the MAF and it ran fine. I reconnected the MAF and it continued to run fine. When I put in the new O2 sensor, what do you think I found? MORE green "goo". This time it was on the harness side wires about 1 1/2" from the connector, but only an inch and a half of the wire was covered. It did not run all the way back to the harness. I had cleaned the wire and connector about the time I first posted and NEVER drove the car. I took a rag., as I always do and wiped everything around the back right corner of the engine compartment. No trace of any green "goo" anywhere else.

So my new question is:
Which one of you guys is sneaking into my engine at night and putting green goo there? .
Old Jul 15, 2025 | 10:38 PM
  #38  
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Don't let them drink water after midnight.
Old Jul 16, 2025 | 03:07 AM
  #39  
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geg
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Google search: "cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc". it is also a "microscopic alga"
loves electrical connectors, your problem is described by owners of laptops and some industrial equipment
the method of dealing with this is described above
Old Jul 16, 2025 | 03:23 PM
  #40  
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Chinese grease.



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