Anyone know what was used to seal the wires going into the bulkhead connectors? My originals kind of looked like a rubberized product and the repros look like tar.
Yeah, me too. I'd love to know also. :)
Originally - don't know. When I put mine all back together with new engine and front lighting wiring harnesses about 5 yrs ago now, the bulkhead connectors all got liberally dosed with dielectric grease.
The "Sealer" was P/N 9980664 and .2 ounces was applied. (Reference UPC 0 Sheet D7.5 for more info.) John can probably recommend a good substitute.
Ed
I thought h I had seen the reference somewhere at one time but with all the wiring business I'm doing I'm getting cross-eyed. Waiting fort JohnZ.
I must be getting old.
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=4904.0
The sealer where the wires enter the connector bodies to the bulkhead connectors on the engine and forward lamp harnesses came already on the harnesses from Packard Electric; don't know exactly what it was.
Dielectric grease?
Quote from: GaryL on June 04, 2011, 11:46:06 PM
Dielectric grease?
No, a greenish dielectric grease was applied to the inside terminals in the two connector shells at Packard Electric, and some kind of sealer was applied where the wires entered the connectors on the exposed side.
It looks like a RTV type of rubber on what's left of mine. Not silicone, but similar in consistency when dried.
I was recently working with a black waterproof sealant I got through McMaster Carr and thought it appeared similar. Stuff took awhile (days) to dry though, and came in a standard size caulk gun tube. I think it was one of the first two listed here, bought it years ago so not certain. I was surprised it was still good after sitting that long.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#caulk/=cmoaa4
I don't know what chemicals were available in that time period. Maybe John Z can remember, but the stuff left over on my original is what RTV silicone would dry like, but it wasn't shiny and looks like rubber. Someone from the day might be able to come up with what would have dried to be like and what could be substituted. If the silicone wouldn't be so shiny, it would work. It almost looks like the non-hardening gasket maker, but again isn't that shiny.
I don't know if it will help you any but I called American Auto Wire tech today and they said I can buy the sealer they use from them. It's Black and a little sticky when I laid it out in the sun to straighten but it's Black and not shiny. This is new out of the bag and will probably dry more with age and get rid of the sticky.
Their phone number 1 800-482-9473
I have one of their repro harnesses and that stuff is nothing like what's on the original. Now did someone put something different on mine at same point in the past? I can't say for sure. But what is on it is nothing like that sticky goop. It would work and if that's what came originally, I would probably use it, but that stuff sure makes a mess.