Wet Torq! Help Wanted!

[MR E]

When I got back from work this evening, I cleaned all connections with contact cleaner then reconnected them. The bike is now working again perfectly. Once I new it was OK I wrapped all connectons with self amalgamating tape. Hopefully that will keep the weather out.

J hn

Good news about your Torq , John.

Seems to be a common problem with these and the first place to check when the Torq dies!

 

[Mandy]

Grease

Hi Guys
Also another solution to waterproofing connections is using silicone/dielectric grease which water proofs and prevents corrosion and should be applied generously to the inside of the connections and prevents burning and has zero electrical resistance. Just pull apart the connectors and apply liberally to the inside then reconnect. This grease is used in the aerospace industry for similar or same reasons.

Using the tape is probably a good idea but if the water gets in behind the tape it may not escape and may retain the moisture.
Regards
Mandy

 

[Cyclezee]

Thanks for the tip Mandy. Personally I think self amalgamating tape is the best solution for my application. It forms a solid waterproof layer in about 24 hours and has to cut to remove it.
With grease, there is always the chance it may break down if it comes into contact with a solvent or strong detergent.

J hn

 

[Stephen-Gately]

I had the same probl;em with my torq, but just nip down halfords and get some fibreglass filler, 3 weeks later and you could make one of these bad boys. Aerodynamics are improved, plus fitting of an optional umbrella means your hair stays dry.

 

[Cyclezee]

Very Very Wet Torq

Went out this afternoon on a circular route along the Grand Union Canal to Cosgrove, then over to Castlethorpe and Back down the National Cycle route towards Wolverton. After crossing a bridge over the river Ouse I ended up on a flooded path with a gate to open. I had to put my foot down in 3" of water to open the gate, a bit further on the river was flowing right over the path to a depth of about 1'. At that point, I turned around and retraced my tracks. The bike did not hesitate once, so I can assume the waterproofing after last weeks problem has been well and truly tested and is doing the job I really enjoyed the ride despite getting very wet feet
I wonder if I could have ridden through the really deep parts with my Kalkhoff? I seem to recall Fleec riding with the motor almost underwater when was testing the Agattu

J hn

 

[flecc]

Yes, you can safely immerse the Panasonic motor unit John, the sealing ensures no problem from that, The only vulnerable parts are the inline connectors on the leads from the motor, and they would shrug off a momentary immersion.
.

 

[Barnowl]

I had the same probl;em with my torq, but just nip down halfords and get some fibreglass filler, 3 weeks later and you could make one of these bad boys. Aerodynamics are improved, plus fitting of an optional umbrella means your hair stays dry.

Amused me...

 

[Mandy]

I had the same probl;em with my torq, but just nip down halfords and get some fibreglass filler, 3 weeks later and you could make one of these bad boys. Aerodynamics are improved, plus fitting of an optional umbrella means your hair stays dry.

Now that was funny!!!

 

[Cyclezee]

Stephen,

Does it float Could have been useful yesterday in preventing my feet from getting wet, only I suspect it isn't quite watertight and everything else would have got wet tooooooooooooooo

J hn

 

[Cyclezee]

I had the same probl;em with my torq, but just nip down halfords and get some fibreglass filler, 3 weeks later and you could make one of these bad boys. Aerodynamics are improved, plus fitting of an optional umbrella means your hair stays dry.

Stephen,

Does it float Could have been useful yesterday in preventing my feet from getting wet, only I suspect it isn't quite watertight and everything else would have got wet tooooooooooooooo

J hn

 

[MR E]

Waterproofing the Torq

Went out today down some muddy roads and the dirt that had collected in the wiring underneath the battery , persuaded me to prompty make up a small mudguard under the bottom bracket to shield all this in future.
Made out of an old plastic ice cream container , cut in the shape of the frame and fitted with small holes on each side to fix with a plastic clip.
This should prevent most of the muck and moisture from forming among the wiring.
Can't see this from above the bike , so will see over the next few weeks how successful this is.Could be the prototype version

 

[Mandy]

Went out today down some muddy roads and the dirt that had collected in the wiring underneath the battery , persuaded me to prompty make up a small mudguard under the bottom bracket to shield all this in future.
Made out of an old plastic ice cream container , cut in the shape of the frame and fitted with small holes on each side to fix with a plastic clip.
This should prevent most of the muck and moisture from forming among the wiring.
Can't see this from above the bike , so will see over the next few weeks how successful this is.Could be the prototype version

Hi David
Very Entrepreneur of you
Just make sure it doesn't turn into a swimming pool down there if moisture/water gets in and sits there
Regards