Date:         Sun, 31 Jan 1999 08:16:49 EST
Reply-To:     kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Soldered Connections
Comments: To: dave@V-DUB.MUSA.COM

I have to agree with Mr. Wilford as long as the proper crimper is used. I
would not use the type of crimper that makes a flat crimp. Instead I use
the crimper that leaves the crimp shaped like a "B". Then I pull hard on
the connector to test. This connection will withstand heat and vibration
much better than solder.
Drive Safely & Good Luck
Ken Lewis<Kernersville,NC>86 VW crewcab;60 T-5 Coupe

On Sat, 30 Jan 1999 23:36:13 -0600 Dave <dave@V-DUB.MUSA.COM> writes:
>I do not agree with your logic, a crimp connection is far more likely
>to
>vibrate apart than a properly soldered connection.  As for the issue
>of
>corrosion you must clean any soldered joint to remove flux. Flux
>solvent or
>isopropyl alcohol work well.  Actually Isopropyl alcohol leaves its
>own
>residue, the best solvent is Ethel Alcohol (good luck trying to buy
>it).
>Flux is a corrosive liquid residue that left over from the solder.
>Most
>solder has a "rosin" core that contains the flux, flux helps the
>solder
>"stick" to the metal.  To make a solder connection that would be
>highly
>resistant to breakage or corrosion I would do in the way David
>recommended
>with one addition, hook each of the wires to form a good mechanical
>connection.  If you're really worried about strength use silver
>solder.  BTW
>never use electrical tape, it doesn't seal and leaves an awful sticky
>mess,
>always use heatshrink, if the situation is such that heat shrink is
>not an
>option use coldshrink (the stuff that stretches and uses no adhesive).
>That's how we do it on our nuclear reactor.
>
>Dave Filcoff            dave@v-dub.musa.com
>Volkswagens!            http://v-dub.musa.com
>------------------------------------------------------
>87 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Weekender (132k)
>88 Fox GL 4 door (154k)
>90 Associated RC10 Team Car, Aluminum
>95 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 FS
>------------------------------------------------------
>St. Louis / Columbia, MO
>LiMBO - Gateway VW Club - VWoA VW Club - Missouri Micros
>
>
>>>>
>Have to respectfully disagree here.  A good crimp connection beats a
>soldered
>connection anyday.  First of all a soldered connection is brittle and
>with
>any
>amount of flexing or vibration over time it will break.  Also if you
>don't
>clean up the connection after soldering it will corrode much faster
>than a
>crimped connection.  Best scenerio is use some clear plastic tubing.
>Cut a
>piece long enough to cover your junction.  Then slide it on the wire.
>Now
>crimp your connection together.  Slide the clear tube over the
>connection
>and
>then tie the ends of the tube with some thin string (or use the
>shrinkwrap
>method).  Thats how we do it on aircraft.
>Ever wonder why those Vanagon power window switches go bad?  The
>connections
>are soldered and they break.
>Ken Wilford
>Van-Again
>John 3:16
><<<
>

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