Replacing rubber gaitors on fuel injector plugs

Ian H

Member
Messages
167
Hi
Has anyone had a go at replacing the rubber gaitors on the fuel injector connectors?
Mine are all split no doubt due to the daft angle they have to go throughIMG_4721.jpg

The simple theory is you extract the pins, remove the plug, replace the gaitor and then simply re insert into old plug or replace plug.
I bought a set of new pins, gaitors and plugs from Eurospares a while back but there seem to be a couple of issues.

1 The new plugs (black) have a single locking tab, while the old ones (red) seem to have slots for two locking tabs
IMG_4722.jpg

2 A trawl of the web seems to suggest removal of the pins especially the two tab varient is non trivial, even with specialist extraction tools, and can sometimes require splitting of the plug to extract the pins. Clearly I would rather not split the plugs especially if my new plug only has a single tab arrangement so won't fit the old pins.

3 The gaitors I was supplied look very flimsy and are a smaller diameter than the old ones so will be very tough/impossible to get over the downstream wiring protector

IMG_4723.jpg

Another cosmetic job which is opening up a can of worms but nice to do if feasible


Cheers

Ian
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
I need to do this also. I am sure I saw a thread somewhere, and where to get them. I think they mentioned a BMW part. I'll have a hunt around. If using the flimsy ones I'd be tempted to split them carefully down the side then glue them once in situ.
 

Almichie

Junior Member
Messages
799
I'm also in the same situation and would be interested to know if anyone finds out where to get them. Maybe a group buy could be on the cards??
 

Moz1000

Member
Messages
820
My 3200 had the rubber gaiters replaced by Meridien Modena back in 2007. The part number was 144999 £2.79 each with a labour charge of £165 to change all 8.
However, I cannot find this part number on an Internet trawl except this https://www.ferrariparts.co.uk/144999-Rubber_Connector_Cover_seo.aspx
where they are no longer available.
Mine need replacing again.
If someone can find the manufacturer and part number for the connector, then we may be able to find suitable gaiters outside of the Maserati route.
Dave
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
Every single 3200 I have owned and seen has these split. I honestly thought that was the way they were meant to be but clearly not. Is it worth doing?!
 

Ian H

Member
Messages
167
great minds eh :smile:
Ideally given the way the leads run you would want a set with the 90 degree bend parallel with the oval section rather than these ones that are square to it.
On closer inspection, the rear of the plug clips open to let the terminals slide out IMG_4725.jpg
However, despite sliding a couple of watchmakers screw drivers down the sides of the terminals to release the clips, I haven't yet persuaded them to move.
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
I always live by the motto "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

That looks like a can of worms!
 

Ian H

Member
Messages
167
Personal preference I guess.
Mines a long term keeper, and given I do most of my (preventative) maintenance on a vintage aeroplane which I then fly upside down, I am no doubt a bit excessive on the details.
If we can suss out the trick then it should be quick, cheap and pretty easy for everyone to do ...
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
Not sure about that plenum. Is it still crackle finish? It looks too clean to me if that makes sense.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,547
Personal preference I guess.
Mines a long term keeper, and given I do most of my (preventative) maintenance on a vintage aeroplane which I then fly upside down, I am not doubt a bit excessive on the details.
If we can suss out the trick then it should be quick, cheap and pretty easy for everyone to do ...

I think this is a good reason to be obsessive about maintenance!

C
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
Personal preference I guess.
Mines a long term keeper, and given I do most of my (preventative) maintenance on a vintage aeroplane which I then fly upside down, I am not doubt a bit excessive on the details.
If we can suss out the trick then it should be quick, cheap and pretty easy for everyone to do ...

Loving the plane in the avatar. ..Tiger Moth by chance?...I was hoping to have a Gypsie Moth as my 50th but that was before I lost an eye.
 

Ian H

Member
Messages
167
Loving the plane in the avatar. ..Tiger Moth by chance?...I was hoping to have a Gypsie Moth as my 50th but that was before I lost an eye.

Hi

The Gipsy is a lovely aeroplane.

Mine is actually a Bucker Jungmann - the German equivalent of the Tiger Moth trainer - but miles ahead in terms of flight characteristics as you would expect from the Germans :smile:

We are just coming out of the end of a three year rebuild, with some final frustrations due to work the 'professionals' have done. She is based down in Shoreham and should be up and running again early Summer.
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
i have done this, and posted a thread but its quite a few years ago now. I got a contact removal tool from AMP so i could slip the contacts out of the connector body, and i also bought right angled rubber covers, i am sure i got them from Vehicle wiring products. i had some pics on the initial thread but cant find them. its a fiddly job but not expensive. and i was much happier once it was done!