Happy new year all!
In the middle of a ground-up on a 74. Car is pretty clean but looking at the wiring. Looks clean as well. No chafing etc. Replacing the relays and cleaning the board etc.
Is wiring ever too old? Don't want to go through all this only to have to tear it all out with the engine in the way etc.
Car was a summer car in VT so no exposure to salt air etc.
Thanks in advance!
Unfortunately, nobody is currently making a harness for a ‘74 and all the nos ones floating around are early 70-71
From your description it sounds like yours is still in good shape.
I would definitely unwrap, clean and check all the wires to make sure you have no breaks, wear marks and then re-wrap it before installing it. Look for added on wiring and connectors thatch be removed and the harness repaired. Stereo/alarm installers of the 70's and beyond are notorious for ruining harnesses.
Rarely is a wiring harness beyond repair unless it has been dunked in water (especially salt water) for an extended period of time. The water wicks way up into the insulation by capillary action and destroys it with corrosion.
If the insulation is pliable and intact, the copper within will be OK.
Brittle insulation will crack and cause all sorts of gremlins. Repair or replace.
Wire insulation can be tested with a Megger if in doubt about its integrity. However, at 12v, automotive wiring isn't at high risk of arcing due to insulation breakdown.
Bad sections of harness can be repaired by splicing with proper gauge wire and proper termination techniques.
The important harnesses (alternator, ignition, and Fuel Injection) are available from Jeff Bowlsby.
https://bowlsby.net/914/WiringHarnesses/
Kroon makes a harness for the /6 and IIRC RD is starting to make harnesses but they are not cheap because they're not cheap to make.
You might want to contact Gerard at Kroon he is currently making a chassis harness for my 1973 2.0L.
He will be using mine as a prototype for future harnesses so I would think if you approach him he might be looking for more examples.
In Germany MS-Bordnetze makes a complete harness for the 914
https://www.msbordnetze.de/porsche-914.html
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=22805
I just went through a similar project this last summer, where-in I took an adapted harness from a 75 - 3.6 and transplanted it into my 70'. Granted, you don't need to remove the harness so the whole process is pretty straight forward.
As other members mentioned, check for any splicing and rubbing and that the wires are flexible. This is a great time to un-tape certain sections, check underneath, clean and re-wrap. Though I eventually went a different route and applied 'safety sheathing', 914rubber.com sells a great tape that will leave the harness looking like new.
Yes it's here -
https://914rubber.com/wiring-harness-tape-1#
Also note that it's 180' roll. Correct width - 4 roll for a complete car
We also make the tab covers 13' needed for a complete car
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Great!
Thanks all for the help. I appreciate it.
I'll go through it all and do as suggested.
Best!
The very first part I bought for my 914-6 was an NOS wiring harness, still in the factory sealed bag and box from Porsche. I believe I paid $1,200. When it arrived I felt like God had reached his hand out and delivered the absolutely perfect harness.
If you have a questionable harness, the Germany MS-Bordnetze harness which if my math is corrects about $2,800 is actually not all that bad. Think of the hours you might save chasing wiring Gremlins or replacing parts that short and cause damage.
Finally, anything @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=104 makes and sells is going to be perfect- that is just how he is. So whatever harnesses he offers for your car, you would be foolish not to replace with his new ones.
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