Should I use shrinking tubes on damaged engine wires?

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by CyberT, May 25, 2017.

  1. CyberT

    CyberT Silver Level contributor

    I think a mouse has eaten on the wire harness for the engine (close to harness holder on firewall).
    The metal is not damaged, almost not visible.
    I think the black spots are oil, dirt, paint, I should have cleaned them before taking the pictures.


    Should I release each wire terminal from pigtail and mount shrinking tubes over the damaged zones? Or just use electric tape? Will shrinking tubes handle the engine heat?

    I don’t want to make new wires, or cut them, since the metal is okay.
    I will add new harness wire tape.

    Thanks

    damage-wire.jpg
    damage-wire2.jpg
     
  2. JoeBlog

    JoeBlog Platinum Level Contributor

    I used different colored shrink tubing on my wire harness and it's worked great in the engine compartment.
     
  3. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    Ugh... the worst -- is there no justice that the cat was eaten by a rat :) Consider Liquid Tape... I have not used it in an engine bay but I have used it on wire nicks before. It should be a less aggressive way of repairing minor damage and it creates a fairly neat appearance. Of course, the shrink wrap will work but then you are disturbing the wire harness -- always some risk when you start tugging on that sweater string.... Liquid Tape might be a safer choice to start with. If it doesn't hold up, there is no downside.

    You can read hundreds of reviews on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bend...rd_wg=Cs9qP&psc=1&refRID=VXQJ8Z3D414REFDS5EC9
     
  4. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Looks like something got hot, not eaten.
     
  5. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    I would consider replacing the wiring. Also looks to me like the wires got hot.
     
  6. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    I have to agree with Mark. It looks like something got HOT . Not eaten
     
  7. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    Could have gotten hot but the problem must be gone or it would still be getting hot. They sell variety packs of shrink tubing in different sizes and colors. Liquid tape is a mess.
     
  8. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    What do these wires feed?
    I'd do some investigating.
    Something was getting hot, or something that was burning landed on the wires, as the melting looks to be on the outside.
     

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