Anyone done an engine-side wire harness? How difficult?

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MRGTX

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ive had an intermittent electrical gremlin where my Dart won't get spark and won't start. Last time, there was a dead connector in the big plastic connector in the passenger side of the fire wall, solved by jumping the wire...I think.

...the under-hood wires are pretty brittle/grimy looking in general and I think it's time to investigate a new harness.

How bad is this job? What are the hardest parts?

Also, the harness is pretty expensive, correct? Any insights are welcome!!

As you can tell, I'm in the dark here. :)
 
The harness is about $150....yearone
I'm about to plug mine in today or tomorrow. ...in a 'Cuda

Pretty hard to screw it up...but I'm sure I'll be here asking at least a couple questions!

I think the "hardest" part will be connecting the wires to the starter...past my headers, upside down on my back...ugh. Whatever, it's gotta be done!

Jeff
 
The harness is about $150....yearone
I'm about to plug mine in today or tomorrow. ...in a 'Cuda

Pretty hard to screw it up...but I'm sure I'll be here asking at least a couple questions!

I think the "hardest" part will be connecting the wires to the starter...past my headers, upside down on my back...ugh. Whatever, it's gotta be done!

Jeff
ALRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU DIDN'T CUT ME ANY SLACK ON MY PROJECT!!!!! LET's Get That Thing Running Already!!!!!!!!!!!! These are YOUR words to me... "Weekend is here, time to get back at it"..... lol
:thumbsup:
 
ALRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU DIDN'T CUT ME ANY SLACK ON MY PROJECT!!!!! LET's Get That Thing Running Already!!!!!!!!!!!! These are YOUR words to me... "Weekend is here, time to get back at it"..... lol
:thumbsup:
Heading to the garage right now!

This weekend is some final details under the hood, the wiring harness and then replacing the gas tank!

Might be breaking in the cam next weekend!

Jeff
 
Check with Evans Wiring. Family business. They will also customize a new loom to what you want. For instance, if you are converting to a Mopar Electrunic Ignition they will incrude the appropriate plug.
 
Check with Evans Wiring. Family business. They will also customize a new loom to what you want. For instance, if you are converting to a Mopar Electrunic Ignition they will incrude the appropriate plug.
yes they have been in business for decades, the GO TO people for harness. screw Year One. just me.
 
What year model makes a difference too. Late model engine harnesses are more cluttered with inline connectors that cause problems and wires going to crap that you don't need unless you need to pass emissions tests.
 
You CAN rebuild them if you take your time and dedicate.

The common terminals like the bulkhead connector, and windhield washer use what are called "Packard 56" terminals, which are available here and there. I got mine at clips and fasteners.

Wire is available from several sources, one is "Del City" (No it has nothing to do with me, LOL)

The challenge are the "odd" connectors such as the temp connector

The big white plastic engine connector needs to be eliminated. That was a real bad "engineering" idea.

Unplug the harness, lay it out on a bench / board, and nail it down and tag / mark the "break outs" of the different wires. Unwrap the harness and tie it at the breakouts so you can match them.

Then you can simply do a "wire by wire" duplication. You can ALSO eliminate 'stuff' you might not need, IE you converted ignition, or went to a "one wire" alternator, whatever. Smog stuff, etc.

You ALSO might consider at this time making mods to add a relay, triggered by the key, to operate underhood ignition loads. Low ignition / VR voltage is the number one reason for overvoltage in these girls

And read the MAD article to decide what to do with your wiring around the ammeter/ bulkhead.
 
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