Burnt Wires? Replace them?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Mobile, AL
Burnt Wires? Replace them?
Did the Marinco plug mod this weekend. When I cut the plug off the OEM block heater cord, this is what I found-
Not a great pic, but you can see the outside copper wires look good but the inside ones are black. They're not brittle, they still bend/flex but are defiantly coated in soot-like material. The prongs on the plug were pretty green/corroded from being in the weather.
Thoughts? Fire hazard? New plug should stop progression?
Not a great pic, but you can see the outside copper wires look good but the inside ones are black. They're not brittle, they still bend/flex but are defiantly coated in soot-like material. The prongs on the plug were pretty green/corroded from being in the weather.
Thoughts? Fire hazard? New plug should stop progression?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Mine looked like that when I replaced the plug on mine. No issues. I only cut about 2 inches off the end of the wiring and put on a new plug. No issues so far and the new plug has been working for about 3yrs now.
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Senior User
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From: Mobile, AL
I thought corrosion would be more green or something. How did they get corroded? Is it oxidation? I inspected the cord and the first 2-3 inches did have minor cracking but the rest looked good and the plastic loom was still intact.
How would Noalox help since the corrosion goes up the cord? I looked up Noalox and seems like I would have to coat where I suspect the cord may be compromised.
What I did do was install the Marinco plug, apply some electrical tape to the rubber boot and then RTV sealant around the hole in the fender and the rubber boot at both ends. Hopefully that seals the thing tight and will slow down any rust development.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Ok, not electrically experienced here, so bear with me. The outside copper wires look fresh. The inside ones are blackened in "something." I didn't peel them back real far, maybe 6 inches, but the black continued all the way up. You're saying it isn't from resistance but from water or air intrusion, yes?
I thought corrosion would be more green or something. How did they get corroded? Is it oxidation? I inspected the cord and the first 2-3 inches did have minor cracking but the rest looked good and the plastic loom was still intact.
How would Noalox help since the corrosion goes up the cord? I looked up Noalox and seems like I would have to coat where I suspect the cord may be compromised.
What I did do was install the Marinco plug, apply some electrical tape to the rubber boot and then RTV sealant around the hole in the fender and the rubber boot at both ends. Hopefully that seals the thing tight and will slow down any rust development.
I thought corrosion would be more green or something. How did they get corroded? Is it oxidation? I inspected the cord and the first 2-3 inches did have minor cracking but the rest looked good and the plastic loom was still intact.
How would Noalox help since the corrosion goes up the cord? I looked up Noalox and seems like I would have to coat where I suspect the cord may be compromised.
What I did do was install the Marinco plug, apply some electrical tape to the rubber boot and then RTV sealant around the hole in the fender and the rubber boot at both ends. Hopefully that seals the thing tight and will slow down any rust development.
The black that you see is a form of corrosion in its beginning stages it is a blackish color. It is the copper changing colors. There is nothing to worry about though. It is black because it is not exposed to the acid from the battery nor directly in the elements.
I would put a dab of Noalox on the wires before installing them in the plug. this way along with the tape it will help prevent any oxidization from happening or continuing.
I hope this helps. If not just ask away!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Mobile, AL
Got to thinking, dangerous I know, and I'm wondering if Noalox is a kind of dielectric grease? Or does it conduct electricity? Just thinking about how the wire end termintes in the plug and is secured with the screw. I see how it would help prevent corrosion, but I'm also thinking it would interfer with conduction and the attaching screw would need to penetrate the Noalox to make the connection.
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