Hey guys,

I'm trying to solder back together my rear harness for my o2 sensor (fed spec). I just ran over to RadioShack and bought a 25-watt solering iron and some rosin-core solder. Thing is it won't stick to the wires. I can't tin them or anything, it just runs right off. This is with the wire heated up too.

I thought I was good at solering too!

DF

 

If you can help, please chime in! I have the opportunity to do it right now.

DF

 

Surface contamination and not enough heat are the two main reasons for solder not sticking.

The high temperature rated wire used for o2 sensors is a bit more difficult to solder well. Most people end up using crimp type connectors.

When I extended my primaries for my header install, I used silver solder and a micro-butane torch.

 

Good looks man. I was wondering what was going on. I really heated them up too but it just kept beading off.

I'll have to run to Radio Shack and grab some silver ish.

DF

 

O2 sensors use stainless wire, IIRC. either that or they have some other bright silver plating on them that makes solder a PITA to stick to it.

try using acid core solder (you may not be able to find it anymore), or in worst case, use crimp-type butt splices and then seal them with a blob of RTV and electrical tape over it. (we build splices like that for offshore all the time and I have yet to have one fail on me)...

 

Yeah I used rosin-core and silver bearing soler. Neither sticked even under a torch. I didn't get them WICKED hot because I was holding the wire, but I couldn't seem to do it.

Butt connectors ftw!

DF

 

Hey, get some solder flux. Works GREAT for soldering wires...trust me.