On Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 3:32 PM, David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:
> At 06:03 PM 10/5/2009, neil N wrote:
>>
>> Original wires ok at time of install. I even shrink wrapped them near
>> the connector. But. I figure heat, unplugging/plugging in connector,
>
> The shrink-wrap may have been a contributing factor. �Next time leave as
> much unmodified length as possible where the wire comes out of the
> connector, to maximize the stress relief. �All these pvc-insulated wires
> have been living in a hot tough environment and gradually become less and
> less tolerant of short-radius bends as the plasticizer migrates away.
>
> The tear in the shrink-wrap itself looks like mice to me. �Possible?
>
> Yrs,
> D
>

Thanks David.

Mice? Maybe. Hadn't thought of that in spite of what were likely
squirrel attacks on some Clif bars this Spring (since upgraded to
Rubbermaid boxes for food)

The Jetta harness had multiple casing cracks before I got my hands on
it. Most appeared to be due to engine heat. (engine portion affected
most) Quite a few repairs were made along with lengthening some
sections (in an effort to move a large 27 pin connector to a more
accessible spot..... just finished checking it now. Yah a small pain
;)

So adding shrink wrap would keep the original wire near connector from
bending as much, thus hastening the stock wire casings' demise? Not
clear about the "how" behind this,  but of course trust you're right.

On next swap (ha ha ha!)  will install new contacts/wires on as many
connectors as possible.

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines