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Topic: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating (Read 423 times) previous topic - next topic

Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

In working on my RV, I have discovered serious deterioration of the split coil flexible tubing that was used to secure and protect some of the wiring, primarily in the engine compartment. Disintegrating may be a slight overreach, but it certainly crumbles to the touch, if not already missing.
 
The worst section is in what appears to be wiring to/from the brake lights and trailer wiring. I have included some pictures of the wire run from left to right as you look at it. Is this just a problem with the heat generated by the engine? If I replace it, will it just happen again?
 
This bundle runs along the main east-to-west frame piece near the trailer hitch. From other engine pictures I have seen, this bundle does not appear to be run along the top of this beam. Would it help any to reroute it to the front side of the beam instead of laying on top of the horizontal surface?
 
Thanks for any advice or suggestions anyone can provide,
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #1 –
 and I thought mine was bad in a couple of places!!
Maybe you have critters there that like it?
Obviously it should all be replaced and I would suggest you get the same stuff BUT with a white line in it as this one withstands heat very well.(learnt this from Don when he was here as I did not know there are 2 types made) I would also suggest that any of this that is going around the top of engine and alternator also be replaced as that was were mine was breaking down. It is a simple job,just cut all the ties and pull off. I also cleaned up thast big bundle of wires going across the hitch beam as it was all full of dust etc. I also found the spare bundle of wires in that mess and now they are seperated and hung up behind the Hydraulic pump tank.
Yours should be the same.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #2 –
Have any chemicals been used to clean the engine area?
1998 U270 34'

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #3 –
Quote from: krush –
Have any chemicals been used to clean the engine area?

Not on my watch, but I have only owned it since 8/8/2014.
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #4 –
Mine are doing the exact same thing. Age take a toll on most all plastics especially in a high temperature environment. As John says, make sure they are the heat resistant kind of split vinyl looms or they will melt. Easy to replace.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #5 –
Hi Trent,
  McMaster-Carr has some of this sleeving. They call it Corrugated Wrap-Around Sleeving. They have a flame resistant type, and a high heat type. I don't know if it is the same as Don used. Try mcmastercarr dot com.
Raymond
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #6 –
Ebay is probably the cheapest place to find it. I just find it odd to be failing like that at such a young age. It's not that hot in the engine compartment where that loom is.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Wire Bundle Wrap Deteriorating

Reply #7 –
I have used ebay vinyl split looms in a lot of spots on our coach but it melts like a candle in the engine compartment if it gets any radiant heat at all. Make sure it says "heat resistive" in the description. I keeps the rodents away from the RG6 on long HDMI cable runs.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)