Date:         Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:45:37 -0700
Reply-To:     neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Was: Jetta Power supply relay... Now: Is THIS part of the
              problem? (PICS)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Yes! I think so! --- :^)

I confirmed there was no spark. So I checked some connections between
ECU, engine components and relays.

Though not certain (tired.... tired eyes) I didn't find continuity
between a wire from power supply relay, which runs along FI's, to a
pin on 3 pin connector at distributor. (camshaft position sensor)
Thinking I had installed FI connectors wrong, I removed wiring harness
with FI connectors and massive 28 pin connector and found this:

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/crackedwire

I knew the big connector had a wee bit of corrosion, and cleaned it as
best I could prior to install. This could be part of the problem. BUT,
although I repaired 2 cracked wire casings prior to install, I may
have missed these. OR the install stressed the wires, and the casings
failed.

Worth pointing out to other conversion newbs, that the part of harness
nearest engine WILL  have failing wire casings. (heat)

Wouldn't you know it. The 3 wires that connect at side/base of
distributor (cam position sensor), were twisted together (in image), 2
of them cracked, 1 with multiple cracks! And of course, the failing
points located in a spot where I couldn't easily see them.

Likely they were arcing.

Ironically, I mention on my website the importance of inspecting the
wiring harness before final wrap and install.

I'll find out tomorrow if my repair works. Regardless, they have to be repaired.

Cheers,


Neil.


--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/