Splicing wires

[Truckie]

The positive and negative wires for my mini tach are connected under the speedo with quick splices. I think this is what is causing the tach to work intermittently. I want to remove them and solder the connections.
What is the best way to do this?
I was thinking of cutting the wires where the splices are and then solder the three ends together so that I can cover the connections with shrink tube.
Thanks for any ideas or help.

Truckie

[JohnC]

I've been repairing and modifying automotive and motorcycle electrical circuits for years and this is by far my favorite method of joining two wires.  I do not use mechanical splices at all; everything I do is soldered for a permanent joint.

Go to this link and scroll about 1/2 way down the page.  I call it a "cram" joint and it works great.

[hawwk]

John I like that idea :up:Thanks

[springer-]

Here's another method ... http://www.bigboyzheadporting.com/showthread.php?t=81

[Ridetard]

Slip a section of hest shrink tubing over one wire to be spliced.  Twist conductors to be soldered together.  Take hot iron and apply directly to splice.  Dip solder into flux compound and lay the solder on the splice.  Once spice hits the correct temp, the solder with melt INTO the splice, not on it.   Once it soaks into the slice, your done.  Slip the heat shrink tubing over the splice.  Take a bic lighter to the tubing, walla..permanent splice.

There is no other way to do it correctly.

PS, use rosen core flux NOT acid core!

[bigblock6912]

i put a piece of shrink tubing over each wire. once soldered pull one piece over solder joint and heat to shrink it. then pull other piece of shrink tubing over the last piece and heat it. double secure.

[genedjr]

If you really know what you are doing, a solder joint is by far the best joint.  However - mechanical splices and soldering them is very easy and less prone to error, for those not as experienced.  Just make sure the heat shrink is on before you crush the splice.
...gene

[GLFLSTCI02]

If you use a "double wall" or "adhesive lined" shrinktube the covered joint will hold up even better because it will be sealed from the environment.
Gene

[Ridetard]

If you use a "double wall" or "adhesive lined" shrinktube the covered joint will hold up even better because it will be sealed from the environment.
Gene

Thats a grest ideas.

I have coasted the joint with RTV silicon, then slide the tubing over and shrink.  Weather Proof!

[x52gnr]

Lots of great tips.....I learned something....

[Rags722]

Many, many, many years ago, long before most people ever saw a computer, I used to do soldering to government specifications to repair military electrical equipment. (yes, you could actually stand inside a computer and troubleshoot) The big error most people make when attempting to solder two wires together is they stop waiting for the work to heat up enough to melt the solder, and hit the solder with the iron.  This results in a "cold solder joint" because the molten solder just dripped on the work and hardened.  Cold solder joints are usually higher resistance than a good joint, and will fail over time.
A clean, properly soldered connection should have the solder flow into the work, and should harden before the joint is moved.  Do yourself a favor and pick up a roll of wire at Radio shack that is about the same size and type as the wire you will be soldering.  Cut it into 6 inch lengths and strip the ends, then sit down at the workbench and PRACTICE, practice, practice.  Watch what you are doing and before long you will be able to see when the work is almost at the correct temperature and watch the solder flow into a nice neat connection.  Don't forget, even twisting the wires together is a practiced art.  If you leave 1/8 inch of stranded wire sticking up at the end of the twist, no amount of good soldering is going to keep that from being a spike that will try to wear through your heat shrink or tape job.  Everything your mama taught you about "neatness counts " is true when it comes to good solder connections.  Take your time, practice, and you will get the feel of it in no time.

Rags

[Evo160K]

Rags,

"Don't forget, even twisting the wires together is a practiced are."

Would you explain your comment a bit more?

[Rags722]

Rags,

"Don't forget, even twisting the wires together is a practiced are."

Would you explain your comment a bit more?

Sure, I solder, not type   it should have read: "Don't forget, even twisting the wires together is a practiced ART."

So much for spell check.  As long as it's a word, it passes 

[CraigArizona85248]

I think he was asking for tips on how to properly twist the wire.  What is the "Art"?

[JohnC]