Crumbling Connectors, Neat, Quick & Easy Temporary Fix
 

All,

Being a clean freak and detailing in the engine compartment I had a connector just crumble away, this on a 49k '85 Carrera, so I know it isn't neglect, just age like so many of these things I've seen on Pelican.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412626172.jpg

While trying to think of a way to stabilize it to avoid a breaking from vibration I found this stuff, Sugru, on a design site I frequent.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412626241.jpg

This was appearing to be a perfect solution to steady the two parts while not being too visible or difficult to apply, and it has a incredible heat range (-58F to 356F!), so I ordered their sample kit.

It is a silicone-like putty, that when opened is kneadable, I just cleaned my hands and the area around the plug and squeezed it in, then molded it to a smooth shape.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412626489.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412626597.jpg

After letting it sit for about four hours, it is now steady, I won't run the car for a few days anyway, so it will cure properly.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412626450.jpg

The appearance is fantastic and it seems to be perfect. My only thought is I could have made a better job of molding it to look more original, but I have seen plastic replacements on Pelican that I will try to do some day to stay original, but this will save me grief for now, I hope.

This is neat stuff, and cheap. Hope it helps.....

Paul

I like it. Glad you shared. Could come in handy some day.

There is a guy on the board that sells a replacement O2 connector. It works great. I forgot his name but he is worth doing a search for his part. It is a proper fix.

Yup, I saw that about a week or two ago, it looked like recent attempts at reaching him after that popst had no responses, but you are right, that is my goal for a "real" fix!

Just got one of those from Louis. I emailed him, he responded in minutes, and the package arrived the following day.

Found the same stuff just last night on some connectors in the smuggler's box....
thought it was greased up dirt ball !

Who is this fellow, please? I need to fix mine.

Search this forum for related threads. Grassroots also bought one for their 911.

Louis V.
Lvengco@att.net

Baby, Thanks

I'd love Louis' PM or contact info..... thanks for mentioning it.

Louis, are you out there?

Thanks, sent him an email.

I'm here.

Louis,
I need the harness end of the O2 sensor plug for my 1980 SC.
Thanks!!!!

Louie,

Thanks for reaching out, as you can tell, the topic of your fix for the crumbling connector has come up, I'd love one if you are still making them, just let me know how you want to be compensated and what I owe you.... a PM is fine or email at pmpmoseley@att.net.

Paul

My report 24 hours later......
 

All,

Here is a follow up on my connector fix with the Sugru product 24 hours later. Long story short: it is fantastic! It has reinforced the broken area perfectly, it hardly visible, and will handle any temperature seen in that area, at least so far.

This stuff has potential, if you go to their website you'll see more, it even comes in colors and can be mixed. And no, I am in no way connected to them.

And yes, a proper fix like the replacement connector mentioned here is the way to go, but I will wait until I pull the heater/intake/fan shroud stuff for a sound pad and fan restoration project.

A props to Louis for reaching out, thanks man!

Cheers,

Paul

Just ordered 2 from Louis.

Kurt

+1 Louise O2S connector Fix! Happy Addict. :D

A bit of Caution, the connector needs to breathe so the O2S can obtain a sample of air for calibration. I do not recommend sealing it like above.

Draco,

Hmmmm, thanks, I will keep a closer than close eye on it. So it needs that sampling of air at that plug location?

I just ordered a part from Louis (thanks Louis) so I have a bail-out if/when all of this fails.

Paul

I like the way the fix turned out and it will work wonderfully on my '76 without 02s.
It might be helpful around the house I would think.