wrapping engine harness

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by thapachuco, Nov 19, 2007.

  1. thapachuco

    thapachuco Well-Known Member

    is there a good tape that i can get to wrap all my wires together?? im trying to avoid re-wiring the car by pulling wires off and feeding them through a hose. currently the main harness that runs past the valve covers is wrapped in electrical tape :shock: and i would like to change this very soon being that it is coming apart in some areas. any suggestions please!
     
  2. thapachuco

    thapachuco Well-Known Member

    anyone know?? tips?
     
  3. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    The harness was originally wrapped in non-adhesive electrical tape. Avail from many resto suppliers. Or just use plain electrical tape.....but after time, the adhesive may ooze out a bit. Not a big deal, unless it's a show car.
     
  4. snash430

    snash430 Active Member

    Check out Year One's online catalog...14 bucks a roll. scott
     
  5. thapachuco

    thapachuco Well-Known Member

    Great thanks. I was just worried about the heat affecting the wires. not a show car but i like to pop the hood once in a while to show off the work and originality of the engine. Thanks again guys.

    heat shouldn't be a problem then?
     
  6. 71customConv

    71customConv Platinum Level Contributor

    A group within Tyco Electronics called Raychem makes a large amount of the tapes, shrink tubes and shrinkable braid for the new auto harnesses and diesel engine harnesses. You can get it in high temp or standard temp. If you want some really nice looking harnesses use the shrinkable braid. You can get a 3-1 shrink ratio that holds the harness firmly when you are done and they are very tough.

    In new vehicles you will use shink tubing at the end of the braid to attach the braid to the terminals/connectors. If you need help finding it let me know. I work for Tyco Electronics and can put you in touch with a distributor that can sell you some smaller qtys.
     
  7. 71customConv

    71customConv Platinum Level Contributor

    I also forgot if you are running some wiring next to the exhaust manifold you can get heat reflective tape. It is good for up to 300C+ and protects the wires very well.
     
  8. 65specialconver

    65specialconver kennedy-bell MIA

    i used the non-sticky wrap from opgi,about $15 a roll.i did the main harness & still have half a roll for the forward light harness when i get around to it.:laugh:
     
  9. thapachuco

    thapachuco Well-Known Member

    do you know of any distributors in the san jose CA 95125 area? thanks that would be great.
     
  10. 71customConv

    71customConv Platinum Level Contributor

  11. 71customConv

    71customConv Platinum Level Contributor

  12. 71customConv

    71customConv Platinum Level Contributor

    If you are buying shrink tubing buy the 3 to1 or 4 to1. It makes it easier to get the tubing over the connectors or terminals.

    If the insulation on the wires looks brittle you the adhesive lined shrink tubing. Also, if you put the tubing up to the back of the terminals it will provide some strain relief for the wire. These harnesses are old and while they may look ok there will be corrosion inside the insulation jacket. The wire will also be brittle from the thermal cycling. Anything you can do to help protect it will help in the future.
     
  13. thapachuco

    thapachuco Well-Known Member

    great thanks alot!
     
  14. Dale

    Dale Sweepspear

    I bought mine from this outfit.
    It's adhesive backed, but is high temp and has GM's blessing.

    Identi-Tape


    .
     
  15. Rivman

    Rivman Senior Ottawa Buick Guy

    Another thing you can do with harness runs is to slide that pre-slit black corrugated plastic sleeving over it to dress it up,
    and protect the wires.
    It's available in 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" dia. sizes in pre-packaged lengths at most automotive supply places.
    Doesn't cost a lot, easy to apply and looks neat 'n tidy. :beer :TU:
     
  16. thapachuco

    thapachuco Well-Known Member

    i've looked into that, but the guys at Kragen auto said its not heat resistant. I wouldnt nimd using it though. just want to protect the wiring, some if its brittle...
     
    LandYacht likes this.
  17. 71customConv

    71customConv Platinum Level Contributor

    Split tubing looks like crap every place you fasten it because you see the split. It also doesn't completely protect the wires because they are allowed to move inside the tubing. Here is the order of protection 1)Overmolded harness, 2)braided harness, 3) shrink tubing, 4) split conduit, 5) tape. Tape is used because it is the cheapest.

    In the diesel engine industry some of the OEMs are going to the overmold because it offers the best protection although it is not field serviable. The shrinkable braid that I mentioned early in this thread is what I am doing to my harnesses. It offers the best abrasion resistence and still allows very nice flexiblity. When you cut it off the roll you need to use a hot knife so it doesn't unravel. Using shrinkable tubing on the ends finishes it off very nicely and provides great strain relief.

    They don't make new harness like the ones in our cars for a reason. How many of you have seen broken wires to the A/C compressor? How many times have you seen a broken wire to the electric choke? These wires are unsupported and the nearest tie point is more than 4 inches. This allows the wires to vibrate independent the bundle. Over time the strands break and the corresion creeps through the wire unseen.

    Not to sound to negative, but this is what I do everyday and I have seen it all and most of it can be cured by harness management and using the better products, not saving $3 per engine.
     

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