Matt H Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I'll be doing my first bit of Crimping and Heat shrinking on Sat. It follows of from this thread here: http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?237941-Coilpack-Connector-Metal-Spade-Connector-(pics)&highlight=coilpack I know it's a relatively straight forward thing to do, but I want to make sure I get it right - the first time. So I'm looking for some 'top tips' from those in the know; then hopefully I won't walk into it thinking it's a piece of cake and come a cropper if it's not Ta Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I wouldn't use crimps, they have a habit of working loose. I'd suggest proper soldered connections with heatshrink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt H Posted January 27, 2011 Author Share Posted January 27, 2011 I'd suggest proper soldered connections with heatshrink. I have solder and an Iron. Is it important to have a particular type of solder if it's going to be subject to a bit of heat in the engine bay? Ta Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ark Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Heat shrink tubing big enough to slide over a crimp probably won't shrink by enough to make it worth it. It's really meant to go over a soldered joint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I have solder and an Iron. Is it important to have a particular type of solder if it's going to be subject to a bit of heat in the engine bay? Ta Matt Most solder melts at over 200c.... if your engine is getting that hot.... the insulation will melt off the wires before the solder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt H Posted January 27, 2011 Author Share Posted January 27, 2011 Heat shrink tubing big enough to slide over a crimp probably won't shrink by enough to make it worth it. It's really meant to go over a soldered joint. The packaging states that the heat shrink will 'shrink' by 50% regardless of size, so it should, in theory, be fine? Most solder melts at over 200c.... if your engine is getting that hot.... the insulation will melt off the wires before the solder Ok, I'll solder the joint and use the heat shrink if that's the best solution Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edge Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 (edited) Strip wires first then tin them (put solder on the wires before joining) then put side by side or twist and add a touch more solder and join together. Try not to blow on the wires to cool them at first as rapid cooling will cause a weaker join. Once you have joined the wires check to make sure there are no sharp and pointy bits that may split the heatshrink. If in doubt double up on the heatshrink. Hopefully you have a selection of sizes of shrink to make things easier. A little video guide showing some basics. Still not sure what a "soddering" iron is used for though. Edited January 27, 2011 by edge (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt H Posted January 28, 2011 Author Share Posted January 28, 2011 Strip wires first then tin them (put solder on the wires before joining) then put side by side or twist and add a touch more solder and join together. Try not to blow on the wires to cool them at first as rapid cooling will cause a weaker join. Once you have joined the wires check to make sure there are no sharp and pointy bits that may split the heatshrink. If in doubt double up on the heatshrink. Hopefully you have a selection of sizes of shrink to make things easier. A little video guide showing some basics. Still not sure what a "soddering" iron is used for though. Cheers Edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sideexitsupra Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 I know it sounds obvious but make sure you slide the heatshrink down one of the wires before you join them!!!! Seen it not done many times........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hodge Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 I know it sounds obvious but make sure you slide the heatshrink down one of the wires before you join them!!!! Seen it not done many times........... Guilty lol. I've had to de-solder stuff loads of times for forgetting to put the heatshrink on 1st. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madwoody1 Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 if you can get solder get the one with more lead in it because it is a lot more flexible and will not snap under vibration Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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