Need advice on wiring repair

[jaybirdnwa]

I am repairing some wiring connections that were poorly made and wires that were spliced and taped together with electrical tape. I am new to this and want to this and want to do it correctly. So my question is what are some ways that you make weatherproof connections? Also, there are some wiring harnesses that need to be replaced - back at the engine and under the instrument panel. Is it possible for me to make my own wiring harness and if so, where can I buy the harnesses? Thanks in advance.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Need advice on wiring repair

When I have the need and ambition to make a watertight connection I put a piece of heat shrink tubing over the wire, then twist the wires together nice and tight and even, then solder the connection. Now I slather liquid electrical tape over the connection. Slide the heat shrink over and heat 'er up...
Cant really comment on the whole harness.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need advice on wiring repair

You asked if you can make your own harness and then asked where to buy them. If you make your own harness you buy sufficient wire in the colors you need and you create the harness. You can also buy the split tubing that goes over the wires as well as the wire at any auto store although that will not be marine (tinned) wire. Buy everything you need on line -- such as right here on iBoats. Terminations require soldering and heat shrinking or crimping of riing terminals, bullet conenctors, or whatever type of connection is needed -- which are also available right here on iBoats.

Splices can be done with bullet connectors (male/female). Or you can strip the wire, twist and solder, and use heat shrink as described above.