Wiring repair

[lvl]

What would be the best method for repairing damaged wires in the engine compartment of an outboard?

Should I just butt crimp and heat shrink or splice and solder then heat shrink?

Thanks

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Wiring repair

splice and solder then heat shrink?

Thanks

this is always the best way. consider using a very small amount of die-electric sylicone around the soldered wire and a little longer piece of heat shrink. It will keep it from corroding if any moisture gets in.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: Wiring repair

I concur, solder, seal, and heat shrink. Try to stagger your splices so that you dont end up with a huge bundle all in one place. My main issue with butt splices is that they depend on the quality of the crimper, and most times, they dont last for beans. This isnt always the fault of the operator, most pliers I see are crap. Another option is to check out an electronics store for some solder splices. All you have to do, is butt the wires together, and heat the splice, it will automatically solder and seal the joint. Used them all the time in Naval Aviation

 

[crb478]

Re: Wiring repair

I concur, solder, seal, and heat shrink. Try to stagger your splices so that you dont end up with a huge bundle all in one place. My main issue with butt splices is that they depend on the quality of the crimper, and most times, they dont last for beans. This isnt always the fault of the operator, most pliers I see are crap. Another option is to check out an electronics store for some solder splices. All you have to do, is butt the wires together, and heat the splice, it will automatically solder and seal the joint. Used them all the time in Naval Aviation

I often do a variation of the solder splices, I take the insulation off of regular crimp on connectors by heating them then I crimp them to the wire ends making sure that the heat shrink is already in place and generous enough to totally cover both ends. I then heat the crimp on metal with a low flame or a lighter and draw solder into both ends. I have had good luck with these connectons, but you have to make sure that you do not get the wire too hot or it can become fragil outside of the spliced area.

I have a friend who is a motorcycle mechanic and he tins up both wires with solder and then heats them together running parallel to each other and heat shrinks them. He is about a artist at it, but he has had no issues with failures with that method. He said that he was taught to do it that way in the Marine Corp on aircraft repairs where it had been proven stronger than twisting the wires.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Wiring repair

Solder is the best. I have used crimped and never had a problem, I fill the butt connector with RTV then crimp. Seems to seal very well.