Engine wiring harness replacement.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
Engine wiring harness replacement.
Thinking about replacing this engine wiring harnes. Nothing happens when the key is in acc or trying to start. Even with battery connected. Except when a connection is in a certain position. This includes powering the AC and radio. There's pictures of the current connections and what I am considering buying. Figured this would freshen up the connections. The salty Hawaiian air doesn't help things. This Corvette has been on island since it was made. Would it be worth spending the money to get her running again. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,383
Likes: 1,753
From: Seattle Area Washington
Thinking about replacing this engine wiring harnes. Nothing happens when the key is in acc or trying to start. Even with battery connected. Except when a connection is in a certain position. This includes powering the AC and radio. There's pictures of the current connections and what I am considering buying. Figured this would freshen up the connections. The salty Hawaiian air doesn't help things. This Corvette has been on island since it was made. Would it be worth spending the money to get her running again. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Here is a link for the crimper set I use, they are spendy but U.S.A. made and have served me well for many years.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...iABEgJyQ_D_BwE
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
I can get you the 2 part numbers for those housings. You would need to purchase a quality set of crimpers to install new Male & Female terminals.
Here is a link for the crimper set I use, they are spendy but U.S.A. made and have served me well for many years.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...iABEgJyQ_D_BwE
Here is a link for the crimper set I use, they are spendy but U.S.A. made and have served me well for many years.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...iABEgJyQ_D_BwE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,413
Likes: 1,824
From: Apple Valley, MN
You have a few options, each having its own component of time and money.
1). Buy some contact cleaner (like DeOxit) and some tiny stiff brushes and carefully clean all the connectors. For the exposed wire, you can clean and apply a liquid tape.
2). Replace the harness(s).
3). Find some donor harnesses and splice in what you need.
1). Buy some contact cleaner (like DeOxit) and some tiny stiff brushes and carefully clean all the connectors. For the exposed wire, you can clean and apply a liquid tape.
2). Replace the harness(s).
3). Find some donor harnesses and splice in what you need.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
I think the engine harness is typically the harness that needs to be replaced.
I think it's because it's the harness that has lived in the most difficult environment ... high heat , gasoline, oil, and antifreeze.
That's got to be hard on the harness.
Regards....
I think the engine harness is typically the harness that needs to be replaced.
I think it's because it's the harness that has lived in the most difficult environment ... high heat , gasoline, oil, and antifreeze.
That's got to be hard on the harness.
Regards....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
https://www.topflightautomotive.com/...ter-extension/
On an 81, isn't that the "starter Extension Harness?
Top Flight # 29668
On an 81, isn't that the "starter Extension Harness?
Top Flight # 29668
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
I don’t want to add more misery, but have you looked at the harness ( with a large connector) that plugs into the firewall? It has maybe 15 wires and there may be a screw that keeps it from getting unplugged. You may want to get a Chevrolet Service Manual for an 1981, and see where all the connectors are located.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,383
Likes: 1,753
From: Seattle Area Washington
Yes, starting in late 77 GM ended the engine harness at that connector shown in OP photo. It's placement along the firewall and behind the distributor is prone for getting moisture inside...