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Advice on removing wiring

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Best way or removing wiring without a nightmare beiing back in?

Hi

I dont know if im being a simplton, but i would like to ask how others removed the wiring from the engine bay, if there is a good system to use that allows the simpleton to get it all back in again!!

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks you

Dan

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Care, Great Care….
The Vinyl sheathing that VW used is old and bent in places that have now hardened like steel.

While you will try to unbend it to remove or push back through areas it will usually break or even worse Snap the internal wires in two.

The wires themselves have insulation that it too has been effected by age and chemical exposure, and is becoming brittle as well.

To unbend it I usually get it warm with a hair dryer, the heat will make it more supple but I have seen it where it will snap anyways.

If you get an area that won't unbend, then I suggest that you carefully cut it away (the sheathing only) watch the wires for breaks in the insulation.

When going through grommets or holes in the frame as you are want to push everything in to the cabin,  try not to snag the wires.

Going back you can use that sliced corrugated wire run, or my favorite thing is "Friction Tape", that tarry cloth covered tape is moisture proof, and doesn't turn like electrical tape does when hit with road salt and things.

If you see a break in the wires, or a broken insulation, fix it now… or mark it, as by the time you go to return the wires, you may have forgotten and have a " place of opportunity " that is going to bite thee in thy posterior later.

My two shillings worth.

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They all start with GOOD Grounds.

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to remove its relatively simple, apart from the issues mentioned above if the loom is in poor condition. its better to attempt the removal in the summer as everything will be warmer and so more flexible, but it comes down to the condition I've had looms in where the plastic tubing is brittle as hell and just shatters, others which are hard but bend, and others which are as lovely and flexible as they were as new

to get them out its a case of disconnect the plugs from the fusebox, unhook any relays from the top of the fusebox (thin screwdriver at each corner to release the clips) and carefully check for any extra fly leads that need unplugging. once happy pull the rubber grommets from the bulkhead and tug the loom out slowly into the engine bay. dont pull too hard, and keep checking under the dash to make sure you havent forgotten anything, then out they come.

if its the same engine going back in then be sure to label up everything in the bay, take lots of pics showing the labels and where they go. or just ask on here when you're putting it back in, we'll tell you where everything goes :lol:

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Thanks for the advice, its all out and now im just panicking about getting it all back in! Ended up labeling from outside and inside, detaching the wiring from the fuse box and gentley pulling the wires through.

IMG_1608.JPG

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Reminds me of my First go at electrics.
Total Rats nest…Daunting.

But with it out you can inspect the wiring and replace things ie: connectors that have green on them….

One thing I did learn is that I now use white bandage tape to label, and a Industrial Sharpy Marker.  I make flags around the tape and I print everything besides taking numerous photos.

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?
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