Deutsch connector replacement-Bilge Pump
May 21, 2019 17:50:13 GMT -5
ragtop409 and hookedup like this
Post by Maysport on May 21, 2019 17:50:13 GMT -5
I had posted on the other forum a question about correctly connecting Deutsch connectors; the thread is copied and pasted below:
Do you need to have special Deutsch connector pliers to crimp on Deutsch male/female pins on wires?
Internet search shows some or many just solder the wires, but I've always understood you need a mechanical connection to a wire and shouldn't depend on solder.
If needlenose pliers or others used, does it deform the pin so it won't fit the connector or maybe it won't be waterproof?
I hate to spend $100 on a tool for 3 crimps, but don't want to mess up a connector either...
Team Ruby had replied that he didn't think I needed a special tool, just use fishing crimp pliers or the like.
I was slow to do anything but finally got around to replacing the bilge pump. It worked in manual but not automatic, so it wasn't a super urgent need. It turned out the internal control lead for the auto function had corroded, so it justified the need for a new pump. I wanted to keep the Deutsch connector so it would just plug into the existing wiring.
It is a lot easier to replace the connector at your work bench and then just plug it in on the boat than to hang off the boarding ladder on the back of a lift trying to strip, crimp, solder etc. without falling in the drink!
Once I had the replacement Deutsch connectors from the internet, I saw it was a simple thing for the new connectors. I thought they inserted into the hollow pins of the connectors, and thus maybe required 'special' tools to crimp them properly. However, the ends of the stripped wires are just soldered and lay in the connector. One pair of fold-over crimps holds the bare wire, another crimps into the insulation. The below pics should show this, and hopefully it will help someone else who isn't familiar with replacing them.