Project X
- Thread starter spd500
- Start date
Knotty Girl
New member
spd500 said:
That is cool. It will be an awesome ride when you get it going. clap.gif
Last Mohecian
Administrator
Shannon, I would not cut those wires until you have it running. Just wind them up and wire tie them. A cold solder joint could take hours to sort out. You will have enough to sort out once you get that thing started. Leave it like it is and it will be one less variable. It can always be cleaned up later. Just my .02
ChryslerJet
New member
X2 I agree with this don't make it any harder than you have to in order to get it running.Last Mohican said:
blazeracer
New member
Once it comes time, every connection on my boat where two wires are spliced together I use these. Strip, crimp, heat shrink, done. They do NOT come loose once you put heat to them and are 100% water proof. You get a super clean install too.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_35776_-1?cid=chanintel_google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=35776
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_35776_-1?cid=chanintel_google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=35776
customtouch
Active member
blazeracer said:
Do you consider these to be a better option (functionally) then soldering?
spd500
New member
I was thinking about it last night , and I think I will wait to shorten the harness until the boat is together and running . As for the connectors , I don't use crimp connectors . If you solder and heat shrink the connections the same way it's done at the factory you will never have another problem with it . I have had way too many problems with crimp connectors in the past to trust them for something as important as the ignition system on the boat . If it were trailer lights , or a radio , I might consider them . But not for this stuff . One bad connector can leave you stranded on the lake .
blazeracer
New member
customtouch said:
Yes I do. You can run a connection made correctly with these underwater. That heat shrink that the factories use is an insulator, nothing more. Water resistant at best. They are trying only to stay legal while keeping costs down. These cost a little more but work way better. That's my .02 on it, and my boat is full of them to prove it.
I didn't see the ones at Harbor Freight that Cliff is talking about, but I've never really looked either. The real marine ones have an adhesive inside the heat shrink that totally seals the connection 5 seconds after the heat is removed. You can see it bead out when it shrinks.
Nothing wrong with solder and heat shrink either. It will work just at well. A little more work to get it together IMO. A heatgun is easier to work than a solder gun.
Here's a quick vid. You can see the little glue beads on the tips. TOTALLY water proof and never coming apart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdBcPJ7Dtaw&feature=related
My entire DBW is done just like this.
blazeracer
New member
spd500 said:
Regular crimp connector are a no-go, heat shrink crimp connectors are the only way to go. You can get a 5 pack at HD or Lowes for a couple of bucks and try a few out. You'll like them. The package will have water droplets on the printed part for the waterproof ones. NOT the insulated ones, they don't shrink.
Last Mohecian
Administrator
The key is a good set of ratcheting crimpers. This is like an oil debate, Ford VS Chevy, Epoxy VS Poly etc... There are pros and cons to both solder and crimps. Personally, from my experience in motor controls, cable building and working on my A/P, I prefer well made crimps over solder.
blazeracer
New member
A/P? A$$ Packing?? LOL
Ain't nothing wrong with a good solder and wrap, I just prefer these. Easier to make too IMO.
Ain't nothing wrong with a good solder and wrap, I just prefer these. Easier to make too IMO.
ChryslerJet
New member
Before the heat shrink crimp connectors under the hood of a car I would put heat shrink over the connector kinda like a double insulation but then sealing the connection.spd500 said:
Last Mohecian
Administrator
blazeracer said:
Airframe & Powerplant. Spent an entire semester on nothing but nuts and bolts. You would be surprised at how technical the smallest things can get when you are dealing with the FAA.