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Canadian westy-rotten wire warning
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pioneer1
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:42 pm    Post subject: Canadian westy-rotten wire warning Reply with quote

Hi all: Just as an FYI... Canadian westies use an extension cord which pulls out from the lower "outlet" on the side of the van. Mine showed some cracking in the 25 year old rubber sheath. When I stripped the sheath back, to fasten a new plug ,I found that the rubber coating had thoroughly disintigrated inside leaving the copper exposed to shorts and possible fire hazard. If yours is the same vintage have a look before you have trouble Idea
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Perales
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the heads up. I used my cord extensively this summer while camping in Gaspe and had no issues, but I will certainly give it a good looking at. The problem with internal cord damage is that you can't see it! Anybody have a good way to check something like this?
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brianu
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

We have this??

I have an 85 and don't have this..

Can you provide a pic?
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pioneer1
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:55 pm    Post subject: wiring Reply with quote

sorry i don't have a picture but if your outlets are all in a row, you have an american Wesfalia- see previous posts http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=376048&highlight=canadian
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brianu
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nope, two up, one down...

I'm guessing the electrical plug was replaced at sometime with a replacement. It just has the prongs inside it.

Was there any changes to the inside to deal with the retractable cord?

B
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pioneer1
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:06 pm    Post subject: wiring Reply with quote

No changes really- probably the PO removed the extension cord system and replaced it with the available US style
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spitsnrovers
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

On my recent rebuild, I modified my Canadian style power cord as follows:

Cut the existing cord to about 3 feet long (measure to be sure), and re attach the ends to the circuit breaker inside the cabinetry.

This leaves the 3 pin plug about 8 inches outside the plastic power cord door.
Then use a regular heavy duty construction grade extension cord, (25 foot) to plug between it and the power source.

This has several advantages:
1. built in neon light to be sure there is power in the extension cord,

2. ability to remove the extension cord and wipe it of mud, snow, etc before rolling it up and stowing it in the usual place (or a better one if you wish). It was awfully hard to wipe the "push-in" style heavy cable.

3. IF I should drive away before unplugging, the extension cord will simply part from the 8 inch long built-in piece because the angle of pull will always be straight along the cable, no matter how many angles or tangles are in the extension cord on its way to, or at the power pole outlet.

4. only 8 inches of cable to push back into the van!
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