$%#@ Molex connectors

[JoeW]

WARNING Ranting ahead....... <br />You would think that a company that makes wire to wire connectors would establish and maintain standard sizes. I went down to my local Fry's (a local electronics chain) and bought several Molex connectors within the .093 series. The pins looked identical to the one on my wiring harness (also .093). They weren't. They were slightly smaller so they didn't fit snugly in the sockets. So then I went to a Radio shack to see if they had some that would match. Again, they looked the same. They were the .093 series and made by Molex for Radio Shack. When I tried these, I found that the pins were slightly larger and wouldn't fit into the existing sockets. <br />One manufacturer, one model (.093 series), three different and incompatible sets of connecters. Even some of the plastic connector housings weren't compatible. <br />What gives? Am I doing something really stupid? Is it unreasonable to expect these things to match up? Even when I did replace both sides of the connectors, I found that the plastic housing doesn't hold these pins and sockets in position very well. <br />Does anyone have any better ideas for making wire to wire connections?

 

[CCrew]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

I don't like molex's personally. I use GM weathertite connectors. Cost a bit more, but never affected by moisture. <br /><br />Here's an example, Pep Boys sells them locally to me GM Weathertite Connectors <br /><br />-Roger.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

CCrew, if you don't mind me asking, how much do they get for those connectors? I've heard of them in the past and I've really been wanting to try some. Problem is I'm over here in West Virginia and can't find them. I pass through Winchester on my way back and forth between cold-assed-here and the Outer Banks a couple of times a month so I could easily stop on my way through (in on 522 to 39 to 82 to 17 and out) if I knew where to get them there.<br /><br />Thom

 

[kd6nem]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

Digikey and Mouser are good online suppliers of electronics components, including Molex and many others. They should probably have way too many options available in case you want yet another place to look.

 

[CCrew]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

Thom,<br />Pep Boys on Apple Blossom near the mall has them, but not a huge assortment. They sell them in component pieces.. the male pins, the female pins, the silicone plugs, and the shells. I have to run by there tomorrow anyway, I'll check for sure, but the packs run a couple bucks a piece (10 pins per pack, 5-10 silicon plugs per pack, etc. Not a big selection though. I seem to recall that the 2-3 pin plug shells weren't pricey, in the same range. On the average, I'd say three times the cost of Molex.<br /><br />Before you get too involved though, keep in mind that you can't do a big bundle of wires with them. The plugs I've seen are only in a flat side-by-side variety, so that's a limitation. Not that you can't stack a couple together and change the male/female pin orientations so that you can't inadvertently cross harness plugs <br /><br />See if Kinsler Fuel Injection has a site on the web.. I've always bought bulk quantities of connectors from them. I've done a bunch of exotic computerized engine management systems, so I have all kinds of sources for this kind of stuff. Data streams and water are bad!<br /><br />-Roger

 

[ThomWV]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

Thanks Roger, I appreciate the information. I do a bit of boat wireing and we fish off shore ourselves so I'm always interested in anything that can make our boat a little more reliable. Actually the only breakdown I've ever had off shore (34 miles off the beach out of Oregon Inlet, NC at the time) came as a result of a short inside of a Molex connector and a shorted ignition wire. The bill on the tow for that connector came to $1,000 right on the nose. Thank goodness for towing insurance.<br /><br />Thom

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

Here is another really good source. I bought my shells and pins from them and was lucky enough to find a practically new production quality crimper on eBay.<br /><br /> http://www.alliedelec.com/

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: $%#@ Molex connectors

Hiya,<br />These GM connectors are also known as "PACKARD" and are also used on Detroit Diesel DDEC engines 1 - 6 pins. They also use a 22 pin round connector assy on the engine harness to chassis. P/no is 12020991 / 12020005. This connector can also be be found on IH trucks for the lighting harness between the Cab and chassis. If you have a truck wrecker in your area check with them for used connector assy's. They are probably also used by other US truck manufacturer's.<br />On the Detroit Diesels these are found on ALL 6V92 and 8V92 DDEC1 (Electronic) engines mounted up near the Left bank thermostat.<br />Hope this helps.<br />Regards<br /><br />Peter