Wire Insulation Degradation

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Apr 25, 2011 | 04:47 PM

Atok

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Melting Slicks

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From: NS

Wire Insulation Degradation

While changing my battery today look what I found. It's a ground wire coming from a wiring harness. The insulation is missing and very brittle. I believe heat from the heater hoses may have contributed to this but I'm not sure. The farther away from the heater hose the better the insulation. I replaced the wire but I wonder if there are other more critical wires in hot spots with the same issue.

Anyone else see this on this wire?

Apr 25, 2011 | 04:53 PM

lucky131969

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From: Dyer, IN

Looks more like rodent damage to me. Radiation from a heater hose, will not cause that problem.

Apr 25, 2011 | 05:32 PM

Atok

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Melting Slicks

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From: NS

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky131969

Looks more like rodent damage to me. Radiation from a heater hose, will not cause that problem.

Not likely. The insulation just crumbles in my fingers. Definitely some sort of degradation of the plastic.

Apr 25, 2011 | 06:21 PM

lucky131969

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From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atok

Not likely. The insulation just crumbles in my fingers. Definitely some sort of degradation of the plastic.

Yes, precipitated by corrosion. Once the wire is exposed, it corrodes...expands, etc.

Apr 25, 2011 | 06:27 PM

lvictores

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Atok

I agree that it looks like the critters got a hold of it as that's how my wires looked right under the battery. Look for nests of leaves under the battery or inside the front fender. They apparently like to set up home there.

Apr 25, 2011 | 06:36 PM

Atok

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Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2003

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From: NS

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky131969

Looks more like rodent damage to me. Radiation from a heater hose, will not cause that problem.

I stand corrected, it is rodent damage! I looked closer at other wiring in the same area and there are signs of nibbles but nothing as bad as this wire.

No sign of a nest under the battery. Nothing visible from the top. Going to pop the inner fender cover off and take a peek inside.

Man am I ever annoyed now!

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