Waterproofing electrical components

[Handlebars]

I took it apart to the same degree as the video shows and the screen is stuck down pretty hard, so I gave up on that and I'm going to Silicone it all around including the front and that's it. The connectors are a bit hard to separate but got that done, now to silicone. Also the ACF50 released a small flood of particles and oxides from the chain - which I had already cleaned and cleaned with paper towels for a long time.

 

[antboy]

I took it apart to the same degree as the video shows and the screen is stuck down pretty hard, so I gave up on that and I'm going to Silicone it all around including the front and that's it. The connectors are a bit hard to separate but got that done, now to silicone. Also the ACF50 released a small flood of particles and oxides from the chain - which I had already cleaned and cleaned with paper towels for a long time.

Did you finish the task? I finally got my ACF-50, but the weather's too nice to dive into maintenance.

I'll save that for a weeknight.

 

[Handlebars]

Yep, got the waterproofing all done except for inside the battery/controller box.
One thing to note is that the silicone takes a long time to cure and I put it on a bit heavy. A couple of days later I can still smear it. However, the couplings are pretty much not in the way so it's not a bother. I sealed them each where they pull apart and at both ends and everywhere wires go, for example into the headlight. I just sealed up everything possible. I hesistated to open up the battery box the other day, but actually I think ACF50 will help the battery by reducing corrosion so I'm going to do that job when I get a minute.

 

[Handlebars]

the weather's too nice to dive into maintenance.

It's better than June was. I have 25 km in today so far.

 

[Handlebars]

I’m a bit of a fan boy when it comes to ACF50. If it can protect avionics in a harsh environment, it’ll serve me well on eBike builds. Every connection on a dozen or more builds was treated and all connections have been virtually moisture free.

black RTV, worked into every seam is incredibly effective. Especially into the rubber grommet where the wiring exits the motor. I stopped using gaskets and use liquid gasket instead of paper gaskets. Just be judicious on the volume used.

Thomas, check out what Scotty says about RTV. I hope that the ACF50 applied first, wins the contest!
I already have liquid tape, it may be a better recommendation.

 

[alohacrusin]

old thread but thank you again for OP and all those who added comments. i am researching how to waterproof my upcoming ebike build. there will be times when i must ride in a downpur and and i wan to ensure my bike does not fail on my commute. i alos might be riding in the rainy part of the island where well, it is a rainforest and can rain at any time...
i am potentially building two ebikes: one a beach cruiser with rear hub motor and another as a hybrid longer ranger riderf for hills. mid-motor for that one. but i want to know in advance what i can do to protect my bike! so thanks.

 

[tomjasz]

Acf50 or boeshield

 

[Handlebars]

I still have my can of AC-50 about half full now and it seems to have protected my entire bike from any specks of rust even though I used the bike all winter with slush and salt water on the roads and didn't always clean up the bike immediately when I got home.
I bought the can instead of a bottle because the tiny straw can get into tiny places with direct shots. I doused my battery with it as well and let it drain out. I applied it by wiping on spokes, everything got it except the brakes.
The Boeing might be better or not, but I don't know how it could be a better product.
I'm going to spray the chain again right now, after cleaning to get any gunk out. I am never going to do a real chain wash thing because I use paper towels and remove most of the black stuff that always gets on the chain and then apply light oils to float more particles out and keep using the paper towels to get it as much as possible ( the black stuff never stops coming out, but the oil gets a lot cleaner as it goes). Then the AC-50

 

[fooferdoggie]

I still have my can of AC-50 about half full now and it seems to have protected my entire bike from any specks of rust even though I used the bike all winter with slush and salt water on the roads and didn't always clean up the bike immediately when I got home.
I bought the can instead of a bottle because the tiny straw can get into tiny places with direct shots. I doused my battery with it as well and let it drain out. I applied it by wiping on spokes, everything got it except the brakes.
The Boeing might be better or not, but I don't know how it could be a better product.
I'm going to spray the chain again right now, after cleaning to get any gunk out. I am never going to do a real chain wash thing because I use paper towels and remove most of the black stuff that always gets on the chain and then apply light oils to float more particles out and keep using the paper towels to get it as much as possible ( the black stuff never stops coming out, but the oil gets a lot cleaner as it goes). Then the AC-50

I waterproofed a garage door opener with it. after it dried I ran the thing under water and used it at the same time. I am testing it as a winter rain lube so far I still feel it on the chain after two rain rides. rock and roll lube would be gone it was messy when I wipe it off the next day and now its not bad.

 

[tomjasz]

This black RTV dries in a few hours and stays very soft and flexible. My favorite, I work it into battery pack case seams. https://www.zoro.com/j-b-weld-3-oz-black-silicone-adhesive-sealant-tube-31319/i/G4595991/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping feed&utm_content=free google shopping clicks&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EuYpcXIythzEq-6z6n6uhZ-UiVjkdFvv0Yp66mwj5QGprnE1vjDlcsaAhAcEALw_wcB

 

[Handlebars]

Boeshield dries, ACF50 retains a “wet” finish. But I still like ACF.

Advantage Boeshield for frame parts, possibly for use on chain after getting the gunk off it.

 

[Handlebars]

I use the ACF-50 in the locks, too.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I use the ACF-50 in the locks, too.

seems kinda thick and sticky for that no problems?

 

[Handlebars]

seems kinda thick and sticky for that no problems?

Not the AFC-50. It's very runny.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Not the AFC-50. It's very runny.

well till it dries then its s tacky. it can dry all the way but only if it is super thin. I am testing it on my chain right now.

 

[tomjasz]

well till it dries then its s tacky. it can dry all the way but only if it is super thin. I am testing it on my chain right now.

I’m with Handlebars. Boeshield for the chain. I‘m anxious to read your results.

 

[tomjasz]

FWIW.

 

[Handlebars]

I've used ACF-50 for over a year and in winter on OnGuard locks and on an Abus u-lock No rust, no sticking.

 

[Handlebars]

old thread but thank you again for OP and all those who added comments. i am researching how to waterproof my upcoming ebike build. there will be times when i must ride in a downpur and and i wan to ensure my bike does not fail on my commute. i alos might be riding in the rainy part of the island where well, it is a rainforest and can rain at any time...
i am potentially building two ebikes: one a beach cruiser with rear hub motor and another as a hybrid longer ranger riderf for hills. mid-motor for that one. but i want to know in advance what i can do to protect my bike! so thanks.

I used the ACF-50 in the little thumb pad that signals the display as well, since it's out in the rain and not normally accessible to look under or clean under the buttons.
As well, I frequently spread a little on the front shocks inside tube.

 

[Handlebars]

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