simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Sometime next week I hope to get my loom out of the black bag and inspect it before it goes into the new shell. Have some silly questions as I don't got a clue about electrics.

1) when I'm going through what should I be looking out for? Tears, cracks etc
2) what's a good way to clean up the connects from dirt n grime? Carb cleaner?
3) should I take off the orginal tape to do a full inspection?
4) whats the opinion on using a braid? Is heat shrink tubing any better? I just think it way be a good opportunity to get the engine bay bit more tidy?

Any other advice?
Cheers Simon

dangerousbrian

when i did mine i just cleaned up all the connectors and earths with wd40 and/or sandpaper. any wire that was looking suspect with any marks etc on the sleeving were tested for continuity then replaced if needed. i then retaped the lot to make it look a bit fresher. i dont think theres a lot more you can do without either replacing the lot or using specialist equipment ( if such a thing exists) to make sure the right amount of current is flowing through the wires.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Cheers for that yea seems best way to go! Silly question but how do ya test continuity ?

Si74

iTrader: (1)

Use an Avo or volt meter.
I would say however that continuity doesn't mean it's getting the correct
voltage as I found out the hard way.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Like to enlighten bit more?

Karlos G

iTrader: (4)

Just because there is continuity (a connection between one end and the other) doesn't mean it's good... Resistance could be high and conductivity low meaning low voltage and high current draw (may notice the wire getting hot).
Better to feed 12v to one end and measure the voltage drop (should be almost none) at the other end.

Si74

iTrader: (1)

Both the meters I have theres an earth/ground symbol at the nine o clock position.
Set it here and touch the red and black probes together and you will get a zero reading and most meters will also emit a buzzing noise.
If you hold the red to one end of a wire and black to other end and get buzzing and a zero reading you have continuity.
I found bits of my loom that showed continuity (call it no break in the wire) but you can't assume this means it's getting the correct voltage.
For example my auxiliary air valve was getting 0.3 of a volt instead of 12/13.
Don't know if this is with age or if the wires are just goosed with the heat but it's a royal p.i.t.a.
I plan to make new bits of loom for the important stuff over the winter.