Killing Electrical Gremlins
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Killing Electrical Gremlins
I have resolved to start pulling wires in the car and getting rid of the electrical gremlins I'm being plagued with. I fully expect this to be a giant PITA but it's probably worth it in the long run. I have my FSM now so I can see the electrical diagrams, etc. I'm starting this thread partially to ask for help and partially to document my progress for anyone else who wants to embark on this adventure.
First question-I've got some melty-looking black gunk on a lot of my wires. What is it and how should I clean it?
First question-I've got some melty-looking black gunk on a lot of my wires. What is it and how should I clean it?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 231
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From: Cumming Georgia
I dont remember exactly how to kill them, I know if you pour water on them they reproduce....anywho...
This could be quite an undertaking! as there are so many specialized modules, and components. This one I'm going to watch, as I've not encountered any gremlins as of yet, but I'm sure they are lurking in the dark confined spaces behind the dash...
D.
This could be quite an undertaking! as there are so many specialized modules, and components. This one I'm going to watch, as I've not encountered any gremlins as of yet, but I'm sure they are lurking in the dark confined spaces behind the dash...
D.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Safety Car
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
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From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
EDIT: All that said, my first priority is getting the ignition issues worked out.
Last edited by Bfenty; Mar 16, 2017 at 12:20 PM. Reason: more info
Racer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 320
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I will probably start with different systems and trace their wiring. I may be new to engine work, but I have done a LOT of wiring work before (custom car stereo, amp, and lighting installs, mostly). I'm not a total idiot there lol. That said, I might end up needing some help if I get myself into trouble.
EDIT: All that said, my first priority is getting the ignition issues worked out.
EDIT: All that said, my first priority is getting the ignition issues worked out.
Work system by system checking voltage, ohming it and checking continuity.
Also do not feed them after midnight
Thread Starter
Drifting
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From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
First step to checking the wires-being able to SEE the wires!
But seriously, I'm kinda **** about clean engine bays even on my daily drivers.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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The "black residue" that you see at component connections was actually intentional and meant to be a sealant of sorts. It did very well for years as intended. If you don't have an issue with a particular circuit and component you might consider leaving it "as is" - you can create as many issues as you believe you're going to be correcting. Nearly all of these "original style" terminations require a sealing of sorts. Near NONE are actually weather-proof.
Inspect your C100 junction at the cowl for an example of serious "black crud".
Post #1 in this thread is what you might expect but generally it's not that bad. Post #3 is I believe after an extensive clean-up.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tery-ugly.html
Inspect your C100 junction at the cowl for an example of serious "black crud".
Post #1 in this thread is what you might expect but generally it's not that bad. Post #3 is I believe after an extensive clean-up.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tery-ugly.html
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 16, 2017 at 03:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
The "black residue" that you see at component connections was actually intentional and meant to be a sealant of sorts. It did very well for years as intended. If you don't have an issue with a particular circuit and component you might consider leaving it "as is" - you can create as many issues as you believe you're going to be correcting. Nearly all of these "original style" terminations require a sealing of sorts. Near NONE are actually weather-proof.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
I might also re-loom some of the wire, as the factory loom isn't in great shape everywhere (and has been cut away in several places).
I can't imagine that causing a problem, but...any pitfalls I'm not thinking of? As you mentioned with the 'black residue' stuff, there might be something I'm not thinking about.
I can't imagine that causing a problem, but...any pitfalls I'm not thinking of? As you mentioned with the 'black residue' stuff, there might be something I'm not thinking about.