Wire Harness Question?

Hi Guys. I am redoing a wire harness. What I am doing is replacing wire between connectors were mice had a hayday with it. Can I use 14G wire to replace 16G wire? I didn't know if this would cause any kind of resitance problems or voltage drop if I used bigger wire. Maybe this is a stupid question, but I only want to do this once.

Thanks Scott.

I'm doing the same thing. Mice and age totaled every wire in my dash. All 18 gauge are being upgraded to 16, and the few 14 gauge are being replaced as is.

Absolutely yes. 14 is (1) gauge larger (larger wire/smaller number). gauges go up or down in even numbers so 16 to 14 is the next larger size.

Yes you can. The real important issue will be the integrity of your connections/splices. If your going to use butt splices, use the correct gauge butt splices and get a good crimping tool. If you're going to solder, well, that's whole new subject.

Thanks for the replies. I am soldering and heat shrinking all connections. I just didn't know if it would cause any problems going from 16G to 14G (the repaired section) back to 16G in one wire run. If that makes any sence?

Thanks Scott

No it will not cause any problem

You will probably find that the overall diameter of the new 14 is about the same thickness as the old 16 gauge, the copper in the wire is the correct per size, but the insulation is thinner a lot of times. It is still fine.

If you want to do it right only solder, never just crimp. My opinion others may argue. If I solder in a splice where it is under the car/hood and water may get around it I coat with RTV before I shrink wrap it to protect the splice from possible corrosion.

Lastly while you are in there put a bolt-in bulkhead connector for the main harness power wires if it doesn't already have them. I like a fusible link at the alternator and the battery end of the main power wire. A shorted regulator can burn out the harness from the alternator putting out full power as quick as a dead short.

Another biggie. Check the insulators on the ammeter.