Weather Proof Connector

[JTodd]

Anyone have a good source for weather proof connectors? My transmission temp sending unit came with a really cheap connector and it's starting to act up when it rains now.



JT

 

[RRees]

I've purchased some from NAPA a few months ago, up in the Des Moines, Iowa area.

 

[rbattelle]

What I'm about to say is meerly my opinion, and most normal people will disagree.



I, personally, loathe plastic connectors and refuse to use them. I now use exclusively Amphenol circular connectors. Specifically, I use either the MS series or the 97 series.



For stuff on the truck I run environmentally sealed variants.



I buy them from Newark or Mouser.



In my opinion, there are no better electrical connectors on Earth.



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Ryan

 

[Pawpaw]

... most normal people will disagree...



In my opinion, there are no better electrical connectors on Earth.

Normal is boring and I happen to agree with you. MIL-SPEC equipment has been using Amphenol connectors for DECADES.



Bob

 

[BarryG]

I have been using some that I think are called posi-lock. I may be wrong on the name. Genos Garage sells them and so does or at least did NAPA. They also have a weatherprooof version. I have had some on the front of my truck for the off road lights now for over 100k miles and they are still working good.

 

[JApol]

Normal is boring and I happen to agree with you. MIL-SPEC equipment has been using Amphenol connectors for DECADES.



Bob

Yes we use Amphenol style connectors in the military. You may get some corrosion on the outside after a long time in a harsh environment. Very rarely will the inside of the connector corrode. Usually the only way the interior of the connector gets corroded is when the wire outside of it corrods and creeps into the connector. Very weather proof.

 

[JDerrick]

WOW What ever that thing in the picture is. It looks cool!!!!! What does it do? It almost looks like the central control head for a David Clarke intercom system or something rather. As a less expencive option use a water tight connector with heat shrink tubing attatched to it ( also availible from NAPA), and fill the contact part of it with dielectric grease. This might help if you dont wish to spend the money on the Amphenol stuff ( very high quality, will have a nice finished product if you are savy with electrical repairs). Also dont hesitate to spend some good money on a quality terminal crimper. Most of the stuff baught from the pep boys and auto zones from around the country are junk. Look into a good set of Klines, or something from the Snap-on truck. Tipicly something that has a compund action, and a ratchet locking system will give you a better crimp that will last longer. The cheap stuff will get you by in a pinch on the side of the road, but take some time at home or in your shop to make quality electrical modifications. You will be much happier in the long run, and will have a more reliable truck. OK SORRY I will step back down off of the soap box now.

 

[DWordinger]

I've used Amphenol connectors and can't argue about the quality and reliability, but they are expensive and heavy. The weight can be a factor if you putting the connector in a run between two locations and not at a bulkhead, firewall, or, in your case fastened to the transmission pan. For your application, I would use the weatherproof Packard connectors. I've had good service and good prices from Waytek. These connectors are very reliable and I've used them on different vehicles under the hood and under the chassis. No problems from gas, oil, water, dust, or anything else.

What ever connector you use, I second the advice to use a good crimping tool to connect the wires to the contact pins.

 

[jltcasper3]

I like how the deutz style plastic connector are made. I think they are made real well and are excellant protection against wrather. I prefer deutz over weather pak. I can get deutz from my work at john deere construction dealer. Which we also can get from terminal supply co.

I've used Amphenol connectors and can't argue about the quality and reliability, but they are expensive and heavy. The weight can be a factor if you putting the connector in a run between two locations and not at a bulkhead, firewall, or, in your case fastened to the transmission pan. For your application, I would use the weatherproof Packard connectors. I've had good service and good prices from Waytek. These connectors are very reliable and I've used them on different vehicles under the hood and under the chassis. No problems from gas, oil, water, dust, or anything else.



What ever connector you use, I second the advice to use a good crimping tool to connect the wires to the contact pins.

 

[rbattelle]

WOW What ever that thing in the picture is. It looks cool!!!!! What does it do?

Thanks, I appreciate that. It's the underhood junction box for my fuel system. Holds most of the major electrical components. There are 7 2-pin connectors that run out to various parts of the system, and a single 17-pin connector that runs into the cab.



DWordinger is right about the weight of Amphenol stuff. It must be properly supported.



Ryan

 

[JDerrick]

Oh OK . . did you make the box also, or were you able to find it commercially, I am wanting to put something together with a couple of relays in it for fog and driving lights when i finally get my Reunnel front bumper purchased and installed. The salt and snow in the winter eats everything up here. I want to get a good solid start. The black plastic box from NAPA with the 7 10/32 studs in it just really doesnt cut the mustard.

 

[rbattelle]

Oh OK . . did you make the box also, or were you able to find it commercially,

It's a NEMA 4x box, which is an environmentally-sealed commercial electrical box. The one in the photo is particularly thick aluminum, which is why I like it.



I got it from Newark, part number 49H5778. I notice Newark doesn't have it in stock right now. Mouser does - part number 563-AN-1317. A few dollars cheaper at Mouser, too.



Ryan

 

[JDerrick]

awsome,, and out comes the credit card ... ... ... ... .