booby trap
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
booby trap
I thought I should share this in case others could have the same thing happen.
I was working on the battery on my 86 C4,when I somehow managed to move the wiring harness to the maf burner relay on the firewall. There was a booby trap there that was waiting 16 years for someone to find . The wires to the relay had the insulation trimed too long so that the bare wires hung out beyond the connector. When the harness was moved these wires got together and started to burn. I had several "exciting" moments before I was able to disconnect the neg battery terminal. Have you ever tried holding burning wires in one hand (to prevent renewed contact) while removing the battery terminal with the other? It aint easy, believe me. I almost lost the whole car .
Fortunately , I was able to rewire that connector , and you can bet it is now well insulated. Anyone else had this experience?
:cuss
I was working on the battery on my 86 C4,when I somehow managed to move the wiring harness to the maf burner relay on the firewall. There was a booby trap there that was waiting 16 years for someone to find . The wires to the relay had the insulation trimed too long so that the bare wires hung out beyond the connector. When the harness was moved these wires got together and started to burn. I had several "exciting" moments before I was able to disconnect the neg battery terminal. Have you ever tried holding burning wires in one hand (to prevent renewed contact) while removing the battery terminal with the other? It aint easy, believe me. I almost lost the whole car .
Fortunately , I was able to rewire that connector , and you can bet it is now well insulated. Anyone else had this experience?
:cuss
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Re: booby trap (dwestsr)
Check all of your relays, esp the fuel pump relay. My understanding is that the plastic coating shrinks and retracts with age, eventually could lead to what you have already described. Takes a little time, but you may eliminate a short that you didn't even know you had. Good luck, sorry about the hand.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: booby trap (loflyin)
The wiring going to my fuel pump and to my overdrive solenoid were both coming out of the insulation.
I gummed them up with liquid electrical tape. It's as if GM was trying to save wire.. so everything barely reaches.
Now you've got me paranoid. I'll check those MAF relays tomorrow!
I gummed them up with liquid electrical tape. It's as if GM was trying to save wire.. so everything barely reaches.
Now you've got me paranoid. I'll check those MAF relays tomorrow!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 210
From: Charlestown IN
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: booby trap (loflyin)
Check all of your relays, esp the fuel pump relay. My understanding is that the plastic coating shrinks and retracts with age, eventually could lead to what you have already described. Takes a little time, but you may eliminate a short that you didn't even know you had. Good luck, sorry about the hand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: booby trap (CentralCoaster)
I gummed them up with liquid electrical tape. It's as if GM was trying to save wire.. so everything barely reaches.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Re: booby trap (Steel Blue 91)
The problem that I've seen with the liquid electrical tape is that heat seems to make it brittle / flaky and the slightest abrasion after it has been there for a while can knock a little off. So if you use it, check on it every so often. I have repaired any questionable connections by heat shrink - alot more work, but seems to hold up and seal much better. Instead of typical crimp connectors on the wiring, I use the smallest diameter copper tubing that the wire will fit into, cut off about 3/4", crimp this in place and then top off with heat shrink. Just be careful of what you aim that heat at! Not saying that my way is better, but this holds and is a viable alternative. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: booby trap (loflyin)
My experience with crimps is that they loosen and drop voltage creating intermittents. One of my more uninspiring moments was to crimp a new connector into a MAP with shrink wrap over it. Two years later, the car developed an intermittent stall. After two months of replacing good parts and 2 Dealers later (the first gave up), a scanner with some Mitchell software finally picked up that the ground was opening. It was so momentary there was no code and my Auto Xray couldn't capture it. Since then, I solder everything with either shrink wrap or tape over it. Speaking of tape, where do you guys get yours? The stuff at the discounters, hardware stores, etc, seems to last about a week in an engine compartment (ditto for wire loom).
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Re: booby trap (SunCr)
Ok, SunCr, you're right. Crimps are bad. Further explanation is that I also add copper epoxy to the ends. Conducts electricity with no increase in resistance, cures in less than 5 minutes, has 20 yr warranty and can only be (per literature) removed by the heat of a torch. Oddly enough was designed for the plumbing industry so is waterproof also. I just got fed up with electrical tape getting "tired".
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: booby trap (loflyin)
3M electrical tape is supposed to be good stuff. I myself had never really paid attention to the brand before.. but I avoid any electrical tape.
I've always soldered and shrunk wrapped every stereo i've installed.
I've always soldered and shrunk wrapped every stereo i've installed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: booby trap (CentralCoaster)
Autozone has the "rubber" electric tape that only sticks to itself. I use it exclusively. It does not leave a residue on the wires like electrical tape does. You simply stretch it out, wrap it up and it seals itself. Makes a nice air tight seal as well.
Only problem with it is if you have to remove it. It forms itself into a solid ruber unit and you have to cut it off as you will never be able to undo it like tape.
Only problem with it is if you have to remove it. It forms itself into a solid ruber unit and you have to cut it off as you will never be able to undo it like tape.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
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From: charlotte nc
Re: booby trap (PonyH8R)
sorry, I don't have a picture, but these relays are attached to the firewall behind the battery and slightly above and to the left. I used my gm shop manual to identify them, but i don't have a digital camera(yet).
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: booby trap (mash557)
I think that tape is called self-vulcanizing and could be used to seal off a ruptured coolant hose. Would be a good item for the glove/tool box.
I have also heard the term "Cold Fusion". The stuff rocks.
I don't like using tape, but that is the best tape there is! I have used it on a number of applications, and it never rots, never gets icky. Great stuff!
There have been reports of fires in that area... you may have nailed the ultimate cause.
Great find!!!!!!!!!