Electrical component cleaning question

[brink]

I need suggestions on how to clean rust/corrosion off terminals. The terminals in question are the three prongs projecting from the vehicle speed sensor, as well as the corresponding plug that connects to said prongs.

So far I've tried gently filing the terminals, wiping with a rag, and as of tonight electric motor cleaner and a bristle brush. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for cleaning electrical stuff? Keep in mind that this is a fairly hard to reach place -- it's located in back of the engine, under the intake manifold and on top of the diff.

It'd probably be a lot easier to just replace the sensor all together, but I really don't want to drop $130 to replace a part that still works, but is just dirty.

And if it makes a difference, it kind of looks like a mixture of rust and that green crap that gets on battery terminals after awhile. Hard to say though, cause I could just be seeing rust and dielectric grease.

[Nick]

other than what you've posted.... sandpaper?

here's one that's a bit out there, some CLR, it'll remove rust....

[Deep]

Have you used an electronics cleaner spray? It comes with a little straw attached (like WD-40) so you can get into small areas. Doesn't cause further corrosion either.

[DIRTBIKEZ]

Try CRC Lectra Clean. Its made specifically for cleaning electronincs. It "grabs" dirt and oil and evaporates away. You can get it at HomeDepot.

[brink]

Deep, yeah that's the stuff I got. Generic napa brand "Electrical Motor Cleaner". Says it's non-flammable, non-conductive, and quickly evaporates.

So far the bristle brush and the cleaner I got appear to have fixed the problem, but this has been off and on for the past several weeks. If the speedo stops working again, I'll give the sandpaper and lectra clean a shot. Here's hoping it stays workin, though *crosses fingers*.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.