Is this factory wiring setup?

[mini_mull]

Hey, I was repalcing some wires with bad insulation and found this crimp. It's on the passenger side valve cover in case you don't recognize it. It looks kinda ghetto and was just wrapped in tape. Is it done this way from the factory?

I was thinking about replacing it with a heat shrink crimp even if it is factory? What do you guys think?

 

[dyeager535]

I think it sucks that I can't view those photos at work.

How many wires? GM typically never crimped two wires together, always 3 or more, IE a junction for grounds. In my experience they are always crimped using a metal piece, then wrapped in tape. I don't believe GM spent the time to solder those connections.

 

[cbbr]

I can't see the pic either (work), but what does it go to?

 

[big83chevy4x4]

yea that looks factoy, my 83 and my dads 85 had that over the pass valve cover

 

[AKbigsub]

Yes.

 

[mini_mull]

There are two pink wires out one side, so I assume they are power. For you guys w/o pics they are crimped together with a metal piece then wrapped in tape. So even though it's factory, should I replace it with a heat shrink clamp, or just clean it off and hope it look OK in another 18 years (time since it was assembled, not time until I inspect my wiring again, I wish) ?

 

[kgblazerfive]

Yea tape it up

 

[mini_mull]

whoops forgot to say tape it. I meant just tape it, or redo the crimp w/a heat shrink crimp and shrink it.

 

[Clod_King]

I say shrink wrap the mother.

Tape will just fall off again, and shrink wrap makes it look nicer, and keeps water out a little better...

 

[dyeager535]

To do anything to it other than tape, you have to cut and solder, just leave it. Unless strands are breaking off the wires, it's not hurting anything, you can't make it any better.

They used to make (probably still do) "liquid electrical tape" I'd think that would be a good solution.

Something odd about that factory tape though, as I have NEVER been able to get electrical tape to stick like the factory stuff. Perhaps it has to do with the quality of the tape used, or after time how it gets all gooey and sticky, which seems to hold really well. Some of that "tape" was never adhesive though either, just wrapped and tucked to keep from unravelling.

 

[3 on the tree]

Brush a good coating of high temp RTV on it. Let it dry completely, then tape it.

 

[dyeager535]

Now that I can see it, I say factory.

Might want to wipe down the wires with some cleaner before trying to seal it back up.