Proper care and maintenance is essential for your lawn equipment and other small engine tools. You want to be sure you store these items in a secure spot where they are safe from the weather elements and can be kept in good shape until it’s time to use them again. Before you operate your lawn tractor or leaf blower for the season, you should inspect, clean, and repair any broken or worn parts on the yard tools. One area you should always inspect and repair or replace when needed is the wiring connectors, especially when you see corrosion. Corrosion can occur due to the weather elements and may be more prevalent as the lawn care equipment ages.
How Do Wiring Connectors Get Corroded?
Corrosion occurs on wiring connectors when moisture affects the area. Corrosion may be common on the equipment’s battery cables, for example. The moisture can be from direct water exposure or due to humidity that comes in contact with the connectors. This type of contact with the connectors can result in oxidation and cause the metal to deteriorate. As a result, the electricity flow is disrupted and the connector could fail.
What Are the Hazards of Corroded Connectors?
There are certain hazards that can occur when wire connectors corrode. If the connectors are corroded, there may be the potential for overheating, electrical sparks, short circuits, and even fires. In addition, the item that’s attached to the corroded connectors may simply stop working. Therefore, it’s vital to repair or replace the corroded connectors when this buildup occurs.
Should you Repair or Replace Corroded Connectors?
If you have corroded connectors, you’ll need to decide whether repairing or replacing these connectors is the best way to proceed. You may just have to repair corroded connectors if there’s only a light corrosion on the surface and it’s accessible for you to clean the area. Even if there’s a little bit of damage, you may be able to repair the connectors and not have to replace the entire unit.
On the other hand, more seriously corroded connector situations may call for complete replacements. For example, if there is extensive corrosion or the connector housing is damaged, you may have to replace this product. Also, if the wires are damaged or frayed or if the connectors are located in areas where you can’t reach them to clean and repair them, it may be time to consider replacing the connectors and any other damaged parts.
Steps to Take with Corroded Connectors
Here are some steps to take when you are faced with corroded connectors:
- Identify where the corroded connectors are located and determine if you can access them for cleaning or repairs.
- Decide if repairing or replacing the corroded connectors is the preferred solution.
- Research how to clean and repair the exact type of tool and connector setup you’re working on, as different items require specific corrosion cleaning steps.
- Order replacement parts if repairs and cleaning won’t fix the issue, or if you’re unable to reach the connectors to fix or clean them.
Repower Specialists Offers Repower Solutions
If the time has come to replace your corroded connectors or the entire part that the connectors are attached to, Repower Specialists can help. Peruse the selection of repower solutions on our website and find the replacement item for your zero turn mower or snowblower. If you don’t see the exact replacement item you need, contact the Repower team for more information and to find your replacement part. When you order from Repower Specialists, you’ll be buying a replacement product for your riding tractor or lawn mower that fixes your lawn maintenance tool and quickly gets it back in good working order.
Find out more today about the small engine replacement kits from Repower Specialists.