Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 22:36:03 -0700
Reply-To: Nathan Mc Blain <nmcblain@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Nathan Mc Blain <nmcblain@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Cleaning contacts/Oil light buzzer
In-Reply-To: <Pine.LNX.4.64.0704271956060.6672@birdbird.example.com>
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Matt Roberds <mattroberds@cox.net> wrote:
> From: Nathan Mc Blain
> Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:43:15 -0700
>
> I was just thinking maybe theres a better type connector I could
> crimp and/or solder on that would replace the cheaper ones, and be
> sealed up.
I have used and like the "Weatherpack" connectors. They were originally
produced by GM - Packard Electric Division; this week the manufacturer is
called Delphi; next week it will be something else. Anyway, they come
in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6-circuit connectors and are pretty well sealed
against the elements. They got used under the hood a lot on early 80s
through mid 90s GM cars.
Like most fancy connectors, you have to buy all the bits separately.
For a Weatherpack, this includes the connector body, the pins, and the
seals that go around the wires. Also, like most fancy connectors, the
manufacturers assume that everyone buying them is going to have a huge
production run and can therefore amortize the $200 crimp tool over
hundreds of thousands of units. Fortunately, like most fancy
connectors, creative use of needle-nose pliers and a regular crimp tool
(for the red/blue/yellow crimp terminals) can get you a good crimp. For
extra security, solder after crimping. It _is_ worth buying the
"official" removal tool (about $3) to get the pins out of the connector
body in case you make a mistake.
I have bought Weatherpacks in small quantity from Del City,
http://www.delcity.net . They do have a $25 minimum order but it's not
hard to hit that; they also have other wiring goodies like heat shrink,
regular red/blue/yellow terminals, etc. (Del City also used to sell
real Hella relays for about $3 each, but the last time I ordered relays
from them, they sent some Chinese brand.) Their Weatherpack page is
at http://www.delcity.net/delcity/servlet/catalog?parentid=8598&page=1 .
Standard disclaimers apply; I don't get money or other considerations
from any companies mentioned.
Matt Roberds
Matt,
Those are some serious connectors! I've seen those connections on vehicles but didn't have any idea what it was called or availability. Looks like with those it will be a job done once, thank you for showing me! That place Del City has very good prices too. Since I only need a few I'll first check the little electronic store not to far from my place and see if they carry them or something with a decent seal. Now I know to ask for Weatherpack connectors.
Thanks for every-ones help with my oil pressure scare, thank you very much! By explaining the oil pressure warning system, the good pressure sensor install info at van cafe, and giving me all your tips, etc. Turns out it was just silly me putting things back not quite tight enough and that was why my buzzer was going off. Eventually I want to get the gage set up to be aware accurately. (In my opinion all vehicles should come factory equipped with a oil pressure gage along with a buzzer)
I'm learning from you guys all the time! Hopefully I can be helpful in return sometime.
thanks again
Nate
1990 Flash Silver non GL
Orange County, CA
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