Thread: Motoroil seeps through cable into ECU

Do a search on injector looms...

I guess this it not something unusual with a Defender TD5.
I have noticed that engine oil seeps through the cable loom into the ECU plug (the red one).
What causes this effect? What can be done about it? How to prevent it?
Is that a major operation to fix it?
Please help

Cheers
Buddys



Defender 130 2001 TD5

Originally Posted by OZ Landy

I guess this it not something unusual with a Defender TD5.
I have noticed that engine oil seeps through the cable loom into the ECU plug (the red one).
What causes this effect? What can be done about it? How to prevent it?
Is that a major operation to fix it?
Please help

Cheers
Buddys



Defender 130 2001 TD5

No not unheard of. Oil in the injector loom, oil wicks from the injector end.

Some have cleaned using solvents and reused others have replaced the loom. Don't know if the new loom fixes it or just resets the clock on the wicking and possible eventual contamination of the ECU and resulting misbehaviour or electrons on oily PCB

What about injecting some sealant (non silicone based) into the loom at the end openings around the entry points? Should be able to get it into and around the wires. Get a syringe and large bore needle from some where or even a inflation needle for a sports ball with the end filed down to open it up.

Originally Posted by clubagreenie

What about injecting some sealant (non silicone based) into the loom at the end openings around the entry points? Should be able to get it into and around the wires. Get a syringe and large bore needle from some where or even a inflation needle for a sports ball with the end filed down to open it up.

Wont work has been tried. The problem is the oil actually gets into the core of the wire and through capillary action works its way through. The main issue is wear on the o rings in the connector near the head. Most sealants will be eaten away with oil especially synthetic oil. All it will do is slow it down a bit.
If you are getting oil to the ecu connector sooner or later it will result in electrical interference and can basically mean the TD5 will only idle.
The easiest way is to replace the injector loom as they are not dear and flush the main harness with non destructive to plastic contact cleaner or metho as the main harness is a big job and a bit pricey.
As said do a search there are heaps of threads on this with exact instructions.

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