need help wiring 7pin

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Or just solder the connections with heat shrink so you don't have big glob of crap on your harness.

Absolutely, soldering is the way to go if you have the tools and knowledge, BUT not everyone does. I have problems soldering with rosin core solder on older wiring, and AFAIK acid core is a no-no. More people have access to crimpers, so you know they are going to use them.

The method I saw for using silicone and have used myself; use a caulking gun and 100% silicone. It can get messy so practice on a few butt connectors first. The end of the tube should have a pin hole, ~ 1/16" works for me. Squeeze the silicone into the butt connector so it just comes out the other side. THEN push in and crimp the wires.
I have also used liquid tape, and it is good, but if you are not doing this frequently, the stuff dries up.
Another point this brings up is crimpers.....you get what you pay for. I used the cheap-ass dollar store crimpers for a long time before I realized there is better ones out there. Google " ratcheting wire terminal crimper " for an idea of fairly cheap, fairly good crimpers. Here is a link also;
http://www.kmstools.com/titan-ratcheting-wire-terminal-crimper-18906
They crimp a bigger area and have a positive stop to prevent crushing the insulation so it gets exposed. They are bulky so aren't great in tight areas.
This style is better in tight areas but can crush;
http://www.kmstools.com/klein-tools-journeyman-9-crimper-pliers-with-dual-d-16444
This is all my own opinion gained thru personal, not professional experience.....and I'm NOT saying it's the end-all, be-all of knowledge. Take it for what it's worth [it's free]

Richard

 

[wildbill23c]

The last 7 Pin receptacle I replaced I installed the new one using butt connectors, that was 7 years ago and it still works just fine. Those little crimp on connectors that puncture the wire have never been a solid connection for anything. When I get ready to do the installation I'll figure out the wiring as I go. There's no way I'm going to do an install and use blobs of silicone LOL, there are better connectors out there than that I'm sure LOL. Maybe some marine grade waterproof connectors of some sort.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Absolutely, soldering is the way to go if you have the tools and knowledge, BUT not everyone does. I have problems soldering with rosin core solder on older wiring, and AFAIK acid core is a no-no. More people have access to crimpers, so you know they are going to use them.

The method I saw for using silicone and have used myself; use a caulking gun and 100% silicone. It can get messy so practice on a few butt connectors first. The end of the tube should have a pin hole, ~ 1/16" works for me. Squeeze the silicone into the butt connector so it just comes out the other side. THEN push in and crimp the wires.
I have also used liquid tape, and it is good, but if you are not doing this frequently, the stuff dries up.
Another point this brings up is crimpers.....you get what you pay for. I used the cheap-ass dollar store crimpers for a long time before I realized there is better ones out there. Google " ratcheting wire terminal crimper " for an idea of fairly cheap, fairly good crimpers. Here is a link also;
http://www.kmstools.com/titan-ratcheting-wire-terminal-crimper-18906
They crimp a bigger area and have a positive stop to prevent crushing the insulation so it gets exposed. They are bulky so aren't great in tight areas.
This style is better in tight areas but can crush;
http://www.kmstools.com/klein-tools-journeyman-9-crimper-pliers-with-dual-d-16444
This is all my own opinion gained thru personal, not professional experience.....and I'm NOT saying it's the end-all, be-all of knowledge. Take it for what it's worth [it's free]

Richard

At work scotch locks are usually taken as a sign of a hack job.

The ratcheting crimpers are really nice. Recently I found you can get butt connectors without the plastic. Of course the ratcheting crimpers don't work on those (at least mine don't) but with a peice of heat shrink it looks super clean and is fully sealed. You can also solder the connection as well if you want.

Another nice thing about the ratcheting crimpers is you can change the bits out and make your own spark plug wires... that is really fun to do (seriously it is )

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

We have sets at work for insulated and non insulated connectors.

All ford wiring repair pigtails come with the non insulated crimps and glue impregnated heat shrink.

 

[adsm08]

At work scotch locks are usually taken as a sign of a hack job.

I agree with this.

I use them sometimes. I try to keep them in the cab if i have to use them at all. I did use them on my 7-pin install, tightly wrapped in about 2 rolls of high-grade electrical tape.

The only reason I used them was because I was pressed for time, working outside, and it was about 10*. Didn't have electric for a soldering iron either.

 

[AllanD]

scotch locks are better used for traction than electrical connections.

amen!!!

 

[wildbill23c]

I haven't had a chance to wire in my plug yet, but I notice that there are connectors going to the lights in the back, I wonder if theres an adapter somewhere that I could plug into those connectors that would go back to plug into a light plug for towing?