Help Identifying Mysterious Wire - Suspect Compressor Activation Wire

[80stech]

might be worth a try to patch that up if you know someone with soldering skills.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by 80stech

might be worth a try to patch that up if you know someone with soldering skills.

That is an idea. I can solder, some. I tried a wire crimper, and I couldn't get a good grip on it because there's no room on the short end by the plastic piece to get hold of the connector.

I had thought of attempting to solder, but sidetracked by replacing every single part in the cooling system this weekend. I replaced:
- main belt - pep boys did
-idler pulley - pep boys
- tensioner - pep boy, then I told them to quit.

Then I did:
- radiator
- upper radiator hose
- lower radiator hose
- water pump
- thermostat housing
- coolant temp sensor

What a pain.

Back to soldering - any tips on that? I have solder wire I bought for the tail light fix, which I've done a few times now.

I'll try to research that.

Next two projects are front suspension and the compressor fix.

[ylwjacket]

Well, I finally got to try my mad solder skills to fix this. They're not actual mad skills, as I am a solder amateur.

It took some time, because it was hard to get to, with a radiator hose on top of it, and the wire left on the compressor was only about 1/2 long, but I was finally able to strip it. I had a few little hiccups, and ended up soldering in an extra length of wire to make it easier to make the connection to the other end.

After a couple hours (had to take out fan and shroud to get in there), to my extreme amazement, all of the connections held, and the a/c has been restored.

I don't know how long it will hold, but it is nice to save a little money for now, given the other million things I've done in the past 2 months.

I doubt I would've thought of the solder idea, so thanks to those who suggested it.

I'm hoping it holds another two months, then I won't have to think about it again until March.

Thanks again for the ideas.

[80stech]

Good job! Did you rosin core solder for the wire ? I use acid core(flux) for the tail light fix but you should use rosin core for wiring (or solid wire solder with rosin flux) Some heat shrink tubing to finish it off would be good too Should last along time.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by 80stech

Good job! Did you rosin core solder for the wire ? I use acid core(flux) for the tail light fix but you should use rosin core for wiring (or solid wire solder with rosin flux) Some heat shrink tubing to finish it off would be good too Should last along time.

I did use rosin core - that was what I had on hand from trying to fix a charging port on a cell phone. In that case, it ended up looking a big giant solder blob - I suppose the port was under there somewhere. Spectacular fail on my first solder attempt.

I ended up using the same rosin core to fix the taillight. It burned out, and I had to do it again after about 3 years.

Anyways - yes, used that, and finished off all of the solder points with heat shrink, then put electrical tape over them to boot.

Holding together on Day 1.