R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!

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  #1  
Old 12-03-2012, 12:24 PM
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toxictv
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Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!

My previous '04 MCS had some insulation worn down to where you could almost see the wires in a few spots, most commonly the headlight wires where they rest against the front hood seal, as well as a couple other places. That car is sold and gone now, but I learned a little from it..

I just picked up an '03 MCS, and noticed a few of the same worn spots. So, I decided to do a little preventative modification..

IMPORTANT:
1.) If there are any ACTUALLY bare wires, please disconnect the positive lead from your battery before touching them.
2.) Wrap completely bare wires in
black electrical tape black electrical tape
before applying RTV silicone


Supplies:
Black Adhesive/Sealant Silicone Black Adhesive/Sealant Silicone

capt_bj pointed out that Liquid Tape is a little less messy, and can be found at Home Depot near the electrical tape

Fingers (or a small spatula)
Paper towels
Working eyes

Steps:
1.) Find bare-looking wires, apply RTV smoothly
2.) Allow to dry til tacky (~30 min)
3.) Apply second or third layers as necessary

Underside of Driver's Headlight
Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!-s1fhd.jpg

Side of Driver's Headlight
Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!-sov6j.jpg

Underside of Passenger's Headlight
Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!-53hcm.jpg

Side of Passenger's Headlight
Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!-c8vh2.jpg

Passenger Hood Latch
Quick fix for worn wire insulations..with pictures!-fs1yr.jpg


And any other areas you suspect may become a problem in the future.

Hope this helps some of you, good luck!
 

Last edited by toxictv; 12-03-2012 at 02:46 PM.
  #2  
Old 12-03-2012, 01:41 PM
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RTV can get a bit messy - I've uses a ton over the years in waterproofing electrical connections on ships. {there is a story that cg helo's acquired so much of this stuff over the years that when one airframe was being rebuilt they made a point to collect all the RTV they removed and it was over 100 pounds!}

there's a product for this specific task - "liquid tape" - by our Plasti-dip friends.

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Liquid_Tape

At my local home despots this is right near the electrical tape and shrink tubing in the electrical dept.
 
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Old 12-03-2012, 01:47 PM
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Thanks for the info capt! I just always have silicone around so it was quick to use =)
 
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Capt_bj
RTV can get a bit messy - I've uses a ton over the years in waterproofing electrical connections on ships. {there is a story that cg helo's acquired so much of this stuff over the years that when one airframe was being rebuilt they made a point to collect all the RTV they removed and it was over 100 pounds!}

there's a product for this specific task - "liquid tape" - by our Plasti-dip friends.

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Liquid_Tape

At my local home despots this is right near the electrical tape and shrink tubing in the electrical dept.
Thanks for that info.
 
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