you should be in good shape then John.
it really helps to have another van to look at - glad to see that you have
one.
Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: Engine Bay Electrical Fire

>  The whole thing looks intimdating. But maybe not so much once I really
> get into it. Thanks for the tip about cuting and splicing.
>
> BTW - I have a pair of these '88 GL's, so I do have something as a guide.
>
> John
>
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>
>
> On 8/23/2011 5:21 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
>> Very good advise there John,
>>
>> I don't think you'll find the wiring harness actually that bad to deal
>> with ..
>> once you get past the ugliness of it.
>> I got one nice 87 GL with an engine fire.
>> The main bundle coming aft for gauges, tail lights, ignition voltage,
>> etc..
>> is on the left ....on top of the frame , forward of the firewall.
>> About 20 wires there in a bundle.
>>  That part wasn't burnt, so I cut there..
>> and spliced on a good used rear wiring harness and that worked just fine.
>>
>> the fuel injection ..that is a separate harness of course..
>> usually you will just get a complete good used one.  It's basically a
>> simple plug n' play deal.
>>
>> there is only one part of all the wiring at the rear of a vanagon that
>> does not just unplug or unscrew.
>> That's where license plate wire or wires go through the body right
>> above the license plate lights.
>> Looks to me that in production..........they ran a wire or wires
>> though a hole, then crimped on a connector ..
>> and it won't withdraw back out through the hole it goes through ..
>> that wire or wires, you need to cut.
>> But all the rest of it ..either bolt/screw connection, or plug-on
>> connector ...or relay socket that should be on the new used harness.
>> All pretty nice to deal with actually.
>>
>> It really helps to have another similar van to look at btw !!
>> that would vastly reduce the 'mystery' factor for you.
>> have fun !
>> Scott
>> www.turbovans.com
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 12:46 PM
>> Subject: Engine Bay Electrical Fire
>>
>>
>>>  I have begun pulling the burned wiring harness that is in the engine
>>> bay out of the vehicle. What a nightmare this is going to be - replacing
>>> the thing. I split the cover of the harness to see the extent of damage
>>> and all those wires are burned - insulation melted and charred. Nothing
>>> salvageable. The whole harness has to go. I haven't asked around yet
>>> about a replacement. A couple of fine Volks have offered, but I'm not
>>> there yet. It will be a few days. I'm planning to photograph this effort
>>> for posterity for the list, in case anyone else ever has to do it. Out
>>> of this effort already comes this admonition - Inspect  your engine bay
>>> today for chafing, rubbing, vibrating, hoses, wires, etc. Be sure
>>> nothing is touching something else unless it was intended that way. Tie
>>> things off, add chafing strips, install plastic wraps around plumbing,
>>> hoses and wires. You DO NOT want the trouble I've got.
>>>
>>> I confess - in my view, the WBX engines are as close to an opposed
>>> cylinder aircraft engine as one can get without flying. Lots and lots of
>>> wires, hoses, plumbing, cables, etc. running everywhere. And it has all
>>> the same hassles. All that rubbing, chafing, vibrating, cracking - same,
>>> same. Routinely inspect your engine, same as a 50 and 100 hour
>>> inspection on an airplane. Give it a thorough going over, write down all
>>> the dings on a list, then go back and fix them, checking off the list
>>> as  you go. It's the only way. Airplanes have to have an annual
>>> inspection where the machine is brought back up to as near new as
>>> possible once a year. It's the law. Without it - the license is not
>>> valid. Our Vanagons need that kind of inspection as well.
>>>
>>> John
>>>
>>> --
>>> John Rodgers
>>> Clayartist and Moldmaker
>>> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
>>> Chelsea, AL
>>> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>>
>>
>>