Fiber Optic Repair

[rodo]

Trying to get my heater controls sorted and I discovered one of the fiber optic lines was ripped in half. (I cannot imagine how that happened.) Sure, not a big deal, but has anyone ever patched one together?

[wetminkey]

Yo, rodo!
I have some thoughts about how to, but let me check my Shop Manual,...seems like some mention may have been made. And we can see if anyone else posts,...
More soon.
Todd.

[DieselSpider]

A friend who used to repair fiber optic cable for the phone company in New York City told me that you cut the broken ends flat, polish them with a dremel tool to ensure they are free of scratches and then use a tubular splice to keep the ends aligned. Caution has to be observed to not use the heat shrink type splice in such a way that the glue runs over the ends of the optics nor crush the optic too tightly with the crimp style splices.

For simple lighting you might try polishing the broken ends with a buffing wheel with rouge on a Rotary/Dremel type tool and then using some stiff rubber or plastic vacuum tubing as a splice.

[wetminkey]

Sorry, rodo. I thought I'd run across something in the shop manual about repair, but I sure don't find anything now. I must have seen it elsewhere,....
My suggestion is like DieselSpider's, very sharp razor blade to cleanup and straighten the ends, and then splice in a tubular manner.
I was going to suggest a tiny dab of a clear adhesive, like E6000 (might eliminate the need to polish ends), and Scotch Tape circumferentially,...tight, inside tubing, would probably be better, as DieselSpider suggests.
I'd sure like to hear how you repair your optical fiber,...please post a followup when you can.
Best of luck!
Todd.

[rodo]

Hi Todd. I did try a splice, a sloppy, useless one, and of course, it did nothing. There are ways to slice in fibre optic cables but they are too complex and fussy for me to have a tiny useless light by my fan blower switch. So now I'm thinking about scavanging off of one of my donor cars. I'll post what I end up with.

[wetminkey]

Yeah, it would have to be a tight fit. The ends have to be aligned well, and the fiber ends would have to be in close contact.
How about 4000 lb test fishing line? Just kidding,...
Good to have donors! Ya should see what I was able to do with a 3/4t flatbed and a 3/4t pickup,...FRANKENTRUCK.
Hope ya find some good fibers, dude!

[DieselSpider]

You may also look into residential fiber optic lighting as that cable is sold by the spool and can be cut too length. I believe the buzz word to look for is "End Light" as a "SideLight" would not serve your purposes.

You could make your own splice by drilling out some hard plastic just big enough for a snug fit so the ends of the optics will touch and stay aligned.