BigCol Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 I have just fitted some third-party rear LED lights to my 7 and terminated the wires with Econoseal connectors to match those of the OEM lights. It’s been a while since I fitted any of these connectors so I had to “relearn” how to! Initially I wrote this as an aide memoir of what I had forgotten last time (and would probably again!) but thought it might be a useful guide for anyone doing this for a first time (how can this become a Technical Guide?) I use a specialised Econoseal crimp tool like this one and also sourced the connectors from Polevolt. The Econoseal connector consists of four parts - wire seal, connector pin, connector body and yellow seal. This is what you do… put any necessary grommets on cable strip cable outer so ~25-40mm of wire shows put wire seals on wires - wider bit on first strip ~4mm of insulation from each wire move wire seal up so it is by the end of the insulation squeeze outer tangs of connector pin so roughly parallel, this enables it to sit in the tool better put connector pin into crimp tool - the tangs should be within the tool and connector pin emerging to the right squeeze crimp tool so connector pin is just held holding crimp tool in right hand, insert wire so small diameter bit of wire seal is within the connector pin (no photo as I only have two hands!) squeeze tool until ratchet releases connector pin’s tangs should neatly grip the wire seal and the uninsulated bit of wire insert the connector pin into connector body with the crimped bit away from the lumpy bit on the connector body (or with the plain bit facing the lumpy bit if you prefer) the connector pin should click softly in place with the wire seal sealing the back of connector might need some minor fettling so connector pins align insert yellow seal bit so it clicks in place (no photo! 🤦🏻♂️) sorted - job’s a good un! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted March 17 Member Share Posted March 17 Nice work. 7 minutes ago, BigCol said: Initially I wrote this as an aide memoir of what I had forgotten last time (and would probably again!) but thought it might be a useful guide for anyone doing this for a first time (how can this become a Technical Guide?) I'll make sure that it's brought up in the discussions about technical documentation. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan R Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 What an excellent step by step guide! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 This is brilliant and so concise utilising photos it really must be included as a technical guide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 The guide has materialised at the perfect time for me. I have just received a set of de- pinning tools from the internet and I’m about to fit carbon indicator pods at the sharp end. Then when this has been done attempt something similar with my Caterham led rear lights. The idea is to fit rubber grommets to seal the holes in the rear wings where the cable passes through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted March 17 Author Share Posted March 17 6 minutes ago, Ralph45 said: I have just received a set of de- pinning tools… A very thin, guess 1, maybe 2mm, wide tool inserted here along the edge of the connector pin will release it and it can be pulled out undamaged. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan R Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 A link to the de pinning tool and also the crimping tool used would be really helpful if that's possible ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted March 17 Author Share Posted March 17 The crimping tool I use, from Polevolt who also supply the connectors, is linked in the first post. I got a set of car terminal de-pinning tools (various shapes and sizes on a key-ring) from Amazon. The ones I bought are no longer available but there’s a wide choice there or on eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 These look very similar to the ones I have. I need to order some pins? Just incase I damage any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted March 17 Author Share Posted March 17 Last time I fitted Econoseal connectors, I bought spare set of ten of each of connector pins, female equivalents and wire seals just as contingency. Was glad I did! Given they’re <£4 between them, would recommend you do too for the peace of mind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph45 Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 As cheap as chips 😀 I’ll definitely get some ordered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted March 19 Share Posted March 19 On 17/03/2024 at 22:31, BigCol said: ... I bought spare set of ten of each of connector pins, female equivalents and wire seals... Oh yes. Those bits have a permanent home in my touring kit. Great effort, BigCol. Look forward to seeing it as a formal Guide. Re de-pinning tools, I use a thin jewellers' screwdriver from a kit like this. (Other brands are available.) JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul N Posted March 19 Share Posted March 19 Excellent guide, thanks for taking the time to compile Spoiler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team 700newtons Posted March 20 Leadership Team Share Posted March 20 Thanks for doing this useful guide... I have converted it to a technical guide and added it here... We are working to update the technical guides section. It needs an update and refresh. More contributions are very welcome Simon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave-canada-slr Posted April 16 Share Posted April 16 Does anyone know if you can mix and match between the two types of Econoseal Series: Econoseal III .070 and Econoseal J series? All the parts on my Caterham, including the new LED taillights are the Econoseal III .070 series. But I thought I'd check. The reason I ask is that the J series seems to be much more readily available in online stores, vs larger electrical - automotive wholesale / component sellers. https://www.mouser.com/pdfdocs/ENG_CS_1654365_Econoseal_0911-2.PDF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted May 15 Author Share Posted May 15 This is the thread you are looking for @graearea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graearea Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 (edited) So useful. Edited May 16 by graearea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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