what tyype of wire for fixing old outboards

[seahuntboater]

#201519

Greetings. I decided it is time to replace some under cowling wire on several motors.This is for wires to coils. kill switches, etc.Can any recommend what to use. I am assuming some stranded and tinned? What is a good all around gauge? I also asume Red, Brown, Yellow and White and Black at a minumum. I also assume crimping is in order. Let me know what you think about soldering.

Thanks

Ralph

[frankr]

#201529

Too thick a gauge won’t hurt anything, but too thin will. So I suggest 18 or 16 gauge, stranded / tinned. Being a school-trained TV technician, I’m a born-again solder guy. But some will argue on that. That’s their problem.

[mr-asa]

#201530

Soldering is fine to seal a crimped connection. However solder is a fairly vibration sensitive method of connecting to dissimilar metals. Crimp it then solder after.

[crosbyman]

#201533

I say solder but Don’t cold solder…. meaning clean all surfaces do not use acid core solder and do use solder paste let the solder flow towards the heat source like sweating copper pipes

wipe away excess solder with a clean rag before it sets

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[Buccaneer]

#201545

Are you not suppose to use solder paste when using rosin core solder?

Prepare to be boarded!

[frankr]

#201546

rosin core is all you need for electrical stuff

[crosbyman]

#201547

when in doubt always use solder paste I say….

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[wek]

#201561

Solders contain a chemical to clean the surface of the metals being joined. Plumbing solder uses an acid (it’s also know as acid core solder). The acid will corrode electrical wiring, so electrical solder uses a milder chemical.

[crosbyman]

#201604

off topic… but

years ago in the new building I worked in…. the sprinkler system was assembled with acid code solder …… several years later the system started to drip on multiple on ceiling tiles…..

acid had eaten the pipes and they ended up with drips everywhere 🙁

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[seahuntboater]

#201608

Thanks guys . I will go with Rosin core probably 14 gauge.