How to Free Up a Stuck Bullet Connector

[Peter Silten]

One of the wires going to my ignition switch doesn't want to come out. I don't want to force it for fear of separating the wire from its bullet connector. I am thinking of using some type of penetrating spray to free up the bullet connector, such as WD-40's spray for electrical equipment. Any advice as will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Wes Bender]

If enough of the bullet connector is sticking out of the receptacle, you can sometimes grip one side of it with needle nose pliers and apply a twisting motion. A small amount of electronic cleaner wouldn't hurt.

[Peter Silten]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, the bullet is deeply embedded and the only thing that I see is a bit of copper wire.

[Mike Wilson]

Peter, nothing of the bullet you can grab onto? I use Kroil to loosen parts like that. Try using that or another good penetrant and then try pulling the wire out. Can you post a pic of it?

Mike

[Peter Silten]

Mike, just a bit of the copper wire feeding into the bullet is exposed. Photo attached of the black wire.

[Martin Benade]

I’d just pull hard. If the wire pulls out a small pointed sheet metal screw should find it’s way through the center hole. You could then pull with pliers , or screw it in until it pushes the bullet out.

[Mike Wilson]

That's going to be a tough one. I'd try to Kroil or substitute and with a very small pliers, grip the wire and try to lever it up being really careful with the Bakelite.

Mike

[Dave Erickson]

+1 Martin. If the wire comes loose you can get a pair of needle nose pliers into the connector to pull it out.

[Steven Clarke]

Peter, I would try a little Kroil, and then try pushing the bullet connector in. That might break the corrosion loose and allow the bullet to be pulled out.

[Martin Benade]

That’s a pretty good suggestion

[Peter Silten]

I tried something similar to Kroil. It isn't make a difference. The bullet is pushed all the way in with no further to go and does not budge. I think it is best to leave well enough alone. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Mike Wilson]

I wonder if you could screw in a small enough screw into the wiring and then try to pull it out along with the connector.

Mike

[Peter Silten]

I was trying to pull out the black wire (50) to install an under the dash hard start relay. The last thing I want to do is mess up my 50 year-old ignition switch I have decided to install it instead near the starter.

[Harlan Halsey]

Peter,
As a matter of principle all electrical connectors should be free of corrosion. However, an alternative to taking it out to install the relay is simply to cut the wire. That is, if the wire in question is the control wire to the solenoid. If not, then just get the power someplace else.
Check out my new addition to the Crystal Springs Res loop: 92-Polhemous/Ralston-Crystal Springs- and back across the dam.

[Peter Silten]

Thanks Harlan.