melted a/c electrical connectors 66 Fleetwood

[scotth3886]

I don't know how long these a/c connectors pictured below have been like this, but I didn't notice until I pulled the carb off the other night.  66 Fleetwood has been converted by previous owner to 134 so blower has to run on high all of the time so it's, over time, partially melted the connectors.

Does anyone have any idea where I can find these connectors? 

Thanks

[J. Gomez]

I don't know how long these a/c connectors pictured below have been like this, but I didn't notice until I pulled the carb off the other night.  66 Fleetwood has been converted by previous owner to 134 so blower has to run on high all of the time so it's, over time, partially melted the connectors.

Does anyone have any idea where I can find these connectors? 

Thanks

Scott,

The terminals are called Packard 56 or GM Delphi 56 connectors, you can find them at most auto/electrical sites as;
Delcity.com
Waytekwire.com
Amazon.com
Terminalsupplyco.com

There are multiple of others and ones that specialized in classic/antique cars wiring that should also have these as well.

Good luck..!

[scotth3886]

Scott,

The terminals are called Packard 56 or GM Delphi 56 connectors, you can find them at most auto/electrical sites as;
Delcity.com
Waytekwire.com
Amazon.com
Terminalsupplyco.com

There are multiple of others and ones that specialized in classic/antique cars wiring that should also have these as well.

Good luck..!

Thank you.  Found them on ebay and got a bunch of them.

[cadillactim]

The master vacuum switch that connector is attached is/was pulling a lot of current and melted that connector. This is very common, but the switch may be melted some too. Look at where the wire terminals attach to the switch, does it looked melted in that area? If so, your switch may need replaced, as it will likely melt the replacement connector, and even quit working.

Tim

[fishnjim]

I'd check the fuse for that circuit and make sure proper size/type.   This should not occur.

[scotth3886]

The master vacuum switch that connector is attached is/was pulling a lot of current and melted that connector. This is very common, but the switch may be melted some too. Look at where the wire terminals attach to the switch, does it looked melted in that area? If so, your switch may need replaced, as it will likely melt the replacement connector, and even quit working.

Tim

I'll look again, but IIRC the switch terminal blades had some light corrosion on them, but didn't look melted.  Figured it was more that due to running 134 it was running at high blower speed just about all the time and doing so in the heat of Scottsdale. 

I wasn't really focusing on it as it was getting late at night and I was trying to get the situation with the carb to manifold gaskets, shim and spacer straightened around. 

[scotth3886]

I'd check the fuse for that circuit and make sure proper size/type.   This should not occur.

I have so many things on this car that shouldn't occur that I have to get to them as I can.  In the interim, I'm not using the HVAC. 

I've ordered replacement connectors and will dive into this when the connectors are here.

[cadillactim]

A lot of current goes through that switch. Over time the contacts inside start arcing, creating heat which causes things to melt. They added a relay in 66 to help with high speed blower, and in 68 put all heavy current through relay.

Tim

[scotth3886]

A lot of current goes through that switch. Over time the contacts inside start arcing, creating heat which causes things to melt. They added a relay in 66 to help with high speed blower, and in 68 put all heavy current through relay.

Tim

Should I replace the switch asap?  If so, what is the name of the switch and I'll start looking for it? 

[scotth3886]

Is it the Steamboat a/c master switch?

[scotth3886]

I found it and ordered it

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224054213997

[cadillactim]

That's it. Actually I sell them rebuilt for what you paid for a used one.

Tim

[scotth3886]

That's it. Actually I sell them rebuilt for what you paid for a used one.

Tim

I apologize.  I had no idea that you rebuild them.  I'd prefer to install one of your rebuilt ones than take a chance on a used one off of ebay.  Do you also sell the side by side connectors, which I've been unable to find.  I was just going to use two separate connectors to do the same.  I have a bunch on order, but none of them are quite like what's original and what's on there now.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Then if you want an NOS switch they are gong for around $300.00 today.
Greg Surfas

[scotth3886]

Then if you want an NOS switch they are gong for around $300.00 today.
Greg Surfas

Whatever it takes to not have an engine compartment fire or frankly, not melt the fusible link either.

[cadillacmike68]

Tim is the expert here.

I have a 68 which moves the high current off of the master (steamboat) switch and I haven't had a problem with my master switch.

The other connector, under the power servo; there could be excessive resistance in the power servo causing too much heat. You can and should clean the insides of the power servo,. This is where the resistors that lower the voltage to the blower fan are and if their traces are dirty, thee will be issues. you can get power serovs on fleabay, but yours should be able to be cleaned.

[scotth3886]

Tim is the expert here.

I have a 68 which moves the high current off of the master (steamboat) switch and I haven't had a problem with my master switch.

The other connector, under the power servo; there could be excessive resistance in the power servo causing too much heat. You can and should clean the insides of the power servo,. This is where the resistors that lower the voltage to the blower fan are and if their traces are dirty, thee will be issues. you can get power serovs on fleabay, but yours should be able to be cleaned.

Thanks.  Yeah, I have to attend to that too.  I'll ask more questions when I get a chance to do it. 

[scotth3886]

Btw, is there anywhere that sells the color coded vacuum hose?  I think all of mine is original and when I get into this, I'm sure I'm going to find some that needs replaced.  Or I'd probably replace it all if I could find it. 

[Daryl Chesterman]

Caddy Daddy has it.

https://www.caddydaddy.com/1959-1960-1961-1962-1963-1964-1965-1966-1967-1968-1969-1970-cadillac-vacuum-line-hose-kit-7-colors-8-pieces-reproduction-free-shipping-in-the-usa.html

Daryl Chesterman

[scotth3886]

Caddy Daddy has it.

https://www.caddydaddy.com/1959-1960-1961-1962-1963-1964-1965-1966-1967-1968-1969-1970-cadillac-vacuum-line-hose-kit-7-colors-8-pieces-reproduction-free-shipping-in-the-usa.html

Daryl Chesterman

Fantastic !!!!