Replacement wiring looms?

Post by **prwood** » 19 Sep 2018, 07:51

Any suggestions on source/brand for replacement wiring looms? Most of the looms in my '01 V70 are cracked, disintegrated, or otherwise missing. I've been wrapping the exposed wire bundles in silicone tape, but I'm not super happy with the way it looks, and I'm also not sure it's the best way to protect them.

Do you folks generally replace them with the same type or have you experimented with different materials/products?

Post by **abscate** » 19 Sep 2018, 08:05

Ive just bought PVC loom from the FLAPS and used that. Some 3M brand vinyl tape for security at key points.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 19 Sep 2018, 08:51

Home Depot has a good section for electrical supplies, I bought wiring loom for harnesses, 3M electrical tape, pull ties. The wiring loom can be bought in a variety of sizes.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 19 Sep 2018, 11:35

Couple of thoughts. Disintegrating wire looms is a known issue as the vehicle ages - more common in high heat areas. Leaving the wires exposed is not optimal.

I have noticed that some wire looms are rated for lower heat levels than others. You want to purchase wiring loom that has a high heat tolerance. You may want to search Ebay for options.

For longer open runs I just place new loom over the old stuff, cleaning up as required. I then tape the seam and zip tie the tape joint.

For the shorter runs what I have done is use rubber hose of a similar diameter. Then cut the hose the entire length so you can slide the wires into the rubber hose. Once the hose is fitted I zip tie at suitable intervals and trim as needed. One can use any hose for this provided it can tolerate the heat. You want a large inside diameter and thin wall. The wires inside have to have some air to dissipate heat is my theory. Wrap the joints with the silicon tape and tuck it into or over the existing loom as necessary. If the hose is too thick it will be more difficult to bend and route.

Go to your local auto parts store and look at what they have in bulk.

Post by **prwood** » 19 Sep 2018, 13:10

SuperHerman wrote: ↑19 Sep 2018, 11:35You want a large inside diameter and thin wall. The wires inside have to have some air to dissipate heat is my theory.

This has been my concern with my current solution of wrapping the bare wires in silicone tape. It's protecting them from damage and keeping things tidy, but may be too constricting.

I don't know what the contact temp or ambient temp in the engine bay is, but if coolant temps are 190F-220F, would a 220F-rated loom be enough or should I go for something higher?

Post by **abscate** » 19 Sep 2018, 13:18

I think the home supply store stuff is all Nylon - the problem there is Nylon 6 is high temp stuff (like 280-300F) and Nylon 12 is more like 220F. the hottest place has to be under the cam cover (visual one)

I guess you could buy some and stick a piece under and see if it melts? If I can find some Ill try that.

I will also put up a picture of my Gardner loom under my cover of my 99 - maybe its all melted.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Sep 2018, 15:17

Well, I lied. I wrapped my coil wires in 3M PVC tape - no loom. Looks fine. Too much oil though - I probably have an oil galley leak

Post by **SuperHerman** » 20 Sep 2018, 10:26

For everything under the plastic cover where the ignition coils reside I used silicon tubing I had lying around. No issues.

If your oil problem is located around the ignition coils, top of upper valve cover under the plastic, if you find no signs of visual leaks it is most likely sloppy oil filling. Bad design as the baffles under the oil cap back up the oil during fills and it finds its way into that area.