Best method for inline wire splice?
Posted by Automatic_Mulberry@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 11 comments
I am building a kit car. The wiring that was in the car was a disaster. I can't blame anyone but me for that, though. Now I need to rebuild it. I have wire. I have heatshrink. I have good wiring diagrams. I have tools, and I'm not afraid to buy more if needed.
My question is this: I have, just as one example, a wire that needs to go from the fuel injector to #4 all the way up to the fuse block. Along the way, though, I need to connect it to wires from #3, #2, and #1.
So what is the best method to make inline splices like this? Assume there is already a good wire run from A to Z, and I need to make branch connections at B, C, and D.
Peanutbuttersnadwich@reddit
Depends what standard your building it too. According to vw a crimp is the correct way to do this.
Automatic_Mulberry@reddit (OP)
A crimp? Do you mean a Scotchlock or something? Sorry, I'm just not quite sure what you mean here.
Peanutbuttersnadwich@reddit
Literally google crimp connectors can get insulated and waterproof ones. Solder should not be used on automotive wiring harnesses as it makes the wiring very brittle and subject to cracking hence why crimps are what should be used on automotive wiring repairs.
Automatic_Mulberry@reddit (OP)
OK, I see crimp connectors. And I have a good ratcheting crimp tool. My question is, though, how do I do a T splice? Is it just put two conductors in one end and one in the other?
smthngeneric@reddit
Yes. They even make some that are bigger on one end and smaller on the other just for this scenario
Peanutbuttersnadwich@reddit
Yup 2 wires in one side 1 wire on the other side.
Automatic_Mulberry@reddit (OP)
OK, thank you. That's the clarification I was trying to get to. I'm off to order some crimps and some more heatshrink.
Peanutbuttersnadwich@reddit
You can order weatherproof crimps wirh the heatshrink already on them
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I won't cut the wire on the run. I strip the spot with a blade to expose the wire. Then split the strands in half. I'll then put the stripped attaching wire though the middle. Then split it's stands in half and wrap them in opposite directions around the run wire.
If you can plan ahead and put pieces of heat shrink on the run wire ahead of time even better.
smthngeneric@reddit
Great idea if you want it to vibrate loose and not work. Doesn't matter how fancy you get with it twisting wires together is not how you make automotive connections.
Automatic_Mulberry@reddit (OP)
Thank you. I've seen a couple of videos and other sites describing this methos, too. I am going to go give it a try, I think.