1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

I need a quick lesson on how to solder a wiring harness

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-14-2010, 07:29 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jesussaves's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: all over see below
Posts: 1,054
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
I need a quick lesson on how to solder a wiring harness

what do you use to connect the wire before soldering and where can you get them?
Old 06-14-2010, 08:21 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Santaclaus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pensacola, Fl.
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I use standard crimp connectors. Then I pull the insulation off, crimp it onto the wires, then solder and then slide heat shrink back over it.
Old 06-14-2010, 11:21 AM
  #3  
Registered User
 
thrashingcows's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Prince George, BC
Posts: 7,235
Received 1,332 Likes on 862 Posts
Originally Posted by Santaclaus
I use standard crimp connectors. Then I pull the insulation off, crimp it onto the wires, then solder and then slide heat shrink back over it.
Yup that's how I do it, or you can buy the mechanical connectors without the plastic casing as well, this is what I use. Also a little dab of dielectric grease before the heat shrink tube goes over will help add a bit of corrosion protection.
Old 06-14-2010, 12:43 PM
  #4  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jesussaves's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: all over see below
Posts: 1,054
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
thanks guys i need to go shopping! What gauge wire? for all the sensors?
Old 06-14-2010, 01:05 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
thrashingcows's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Prince George, BC
Posts: 7,235
Received 1,332 Likes on 862 Posts
Not sure on the gauge wire, but bigger gauge wire is always better then smaller. If you have to cut and splice pieces in anyway, can you bring one of your connectors, with wires attached, down with you?
Old 06-14-2010, 08:07 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
Trebor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SW Pennsylvania - Greene County
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I have been using this method since 1965 as it was taught to me in shop class.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4487788_sold...-together.html

On multiple leads within the same area of the harness it is wise to stagger the connection points of the individual wires. You never want to cut all the leads at the same point in the harness and splice them side by side.

Before the invention of shrink tubing came along I used the old time method of using plastic electrical tape coated with clear Rustolium aerosol paint which still works for the large harness cables when required. As a matter of fact I still use the painted tape method on my TV antenna connection seals which have held up to mother nature for over 10 years without failure.
Old 06-15-2010, 12:32 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
Gots_a_sol's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Charles Town, WV
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
When I butt splice 2 wires, I make a hook on each end, hook them together, 'crimp' down the hooks with my fingers, and then solder them together.

Here are pics on how I split one wire off another. Don't mind the nasty wire, it was scrap in the trash that was good enough to take pics.

Cut the jacketing in 2 places as if you were going to strip the wire

Name:  dsc02290.jpg
Views: 184
Size:  53.8 KB



Then take a razor blade and split the jacketing between the 2 cuts. You can then remove the section of jacketing.

Name:  dsc02293.jpg
Views: 193
Size:  44.9 KB

Split the strands into 2 sections



Take your wire you will be adding in, run it through the center of the other wire, then wrap the excess around a few times. Then you can solder the wires together.



Name:  dsc02298.jpg
Views: 295
Size:  63.4 KB
Old 06-15-2010, 06:01 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
Jungle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Albany N.Y. area
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Nice splice!!!!
Jim
Old 06-15-2010, 11:02 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
thrashingcows's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Prince George, BC
Posts: 7,235
Received 1,332 Likes on 862 Posts
Trebor and Gots a Sol, Thanks for the additional ideas, always good to have another approach to things.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mexstan
Other
12
04-05-2011 09:54 PM
aggieengnr
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
6
06-09-2009 05:03 PM
jmccart
3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only)
4
12-30-2006 12:59 AM
xp8103
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
3
02-06-2006 06:53 PM
Nitecap
General Diesel Discussion
10
01-06-2006 09:16 AM



Quick Reply: I need a quick lesson on how to solder a wiring harness



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:25 PM.