12-09-2022, 02:05 PM
Hi
If the ignition feed is taken from the battery side of the starter switch (as per early 30s onwards), the state of that switch won't affect the ignition but could of course affect the starter. Engine oil is a pretty good insulator, so it's no problem if it coats the outside of a terminal as long as it doesn't actually get between the contacts. This won't happen with a "nut and bolt" connection if it's bolted up properly.
Even battery terminal contact faces can be very lightly smeared with vaseline after they have been cleaned but before assembly. Even though its an insulator it gets squeezed into the gaps when you bolt it up and the microscopic high points still touch each other to give a good contact. The vaseline keeps out air and moisture, which reduces any tendency to corrode.
If the ignition feed is taken from the battery side of the starter switch (as per early 30s onwards), the state of that switch won't affect the ignition but could of course affect the starter. Engine oil is a pretty good insulator, so it's no problem if it coats the outside of a terminal as long as it doesn't actually get between the contacts. This won't happen with a "nut and bolt" connection if it's bolted up properly.
Even battery terminal contact faces can be very lightly smeared with vaseline after they have been cleaned but before assembly. Even though its an insulator it gets squeezed into the gaps when you bolt it up and the microscopic high points still touch each other to give a good contact. The vaseline keeps out air and moisture, which reduces any tendency to corrode.