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Question for C4C5 Specialist--Whicking

69MyWay

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
4,364
Location
Auburndale, Florida
Corvette
1969 Killer Shark
C4C5,

Have you ever heard of a condition called whicking (spelling?), where the wire harness on the car draws moisture from the extreme ends and sucks it into the main computer terminals?

Should you ALWAYS put some kind of gue in the connectors in all situations when changing sensors and installing computers?

Just FYI, that 36 Ford is having problems again. The harness ends are getting full of corrosion and yet the harness, wires, plugs, and sensors are new and nothing has been exposed to any extreme elements. It does not make any sense. Street and Performance does not make any specific recommendation to put any kind of contact sealer material in any of the connectors (other than the ignition).

Any thoughts?
 
It's "wicking" Chris, as in the "wick" of a lantern or lighter or candle. ;)

I haven't heard the term associated with computers and wiring leads, but I guess it's possible.

_ken :w
 
Moisture

I've not experienced the problem in auto's but in the field of electronics, we use the "goop" you would use to "grease" swimming pool rubber o-rings to seal rubber connectors. This product is a grease that makes a good water tight seal. You can get it from any local swimming pool product supplier for a couple of bucks.
Lots of luck
Tom
 
I learned something here that unless Paul tells me it is wrong, is good info for all C4 and C5 guys.

If the coolant sensor is going bad, it could have a pin hole leak, or a major leak. The coolant sprays up into the connector. It is a fact I am told that the wire can actually absorb the moisture and allow it to travel inside the wire all the way to the computer terminal. Thus, Whick, like a oil lamp whick draws the oil along.

Okay, the cure is to replace the sensor, clean the connector, let the wire dry out and put it all back together. I have now heard that an oil pressure sensor can do the same, and technicians have found where oil has traveled the line to the puter terminal. Also, I am being told that nothing should be put inside the connector at the terminals, but using a sealing agent on top of the factory rubber seal for the connector is okay in extreme conditions.

So, even though the 36 Ford got a new temp sensor and there are no signs of leakage, this could be the cause/problem. Also, the old original 1936 metals of the body and frame could be dissimular from the newer stuff and in the damp salty coastal environment where the car has been being kept could result in the corrosion attacking the weakest link. So, I am going to suggest putting zinc type plates like are used on a boat or an air plane throughout the car to suck up the bad stuff and leave the wires alone.

What do you guys think?
 
Migrating moisture

Chris,
I think you are on the right track.. Back in the dark ages the military used a plug called (sp) amphynal plug to keep moistue from mingrating into sensitive equipment. These are molded plugs with pins that have the wire soldered or crimped on the pins then a water tight connection. This prevented the wicking effect you speak of. I would think they (car mfr.) would still use this technique.. interesting..

BudD
:w
 
H ithere,
I do agree with all that is been mentioned, however, I have the stuff that we use for the recalls on the Cavaliers.
The part number is 12377900, and it is a dieelectric lubricant that we are instructed to use on the recall.
It is suitable for all electrical connections, and I would pack the connectors with this lubricant, and see how you do.
Besttoyou, and please keep us posted, c4c5:hb
 
Paul, I've been encountering more and more of that stuff every time I take something apart. Ugh! :puke But I guess it wasn't meant to be pretty, eh? :L

_ken :w
 
I believe they are one in the same. I have used that stuff on wiring on boats. It works.

Mike
 
I use that stuff on my plug wire boots and battery connections too. My Dad always uses it so I just followed his example.

- Eric
 
Thanks guys, I know it is off topic, but the truth is this is the same basic electronics powering the LT1 Vettes.

This is the plan and I have relayed the same to the fellow in custody of the car right now. However, it may be back at my place soon for me to do the duty. I have told them about that part number. I think this stuff that Paul is describing is a tad different as the plug wire and coil/distributor stuff is a clear/milky white, and I think but am not sure the other stuff is darker colored kind of like carmel/brown.

Stranger things have happened. Just seems like every possible strange thing is happening to me. I am still going to hook up the Fuel Injection harness in the 69 dry.

You guys are great. What a wonderful place we can come share our ideas and most of the time figure things out.
 

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