Blowing a fuse

Post by **poppet** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 7:35 am

Hi
I have a 1968 saloon who keeps blowing a fuse!
When it happens the petrol cuts out, the indicators, windscreen wipers and petrol guage cease to work. When I replace the fuse I manage to get another few miles out of her before she does it again. Presumable I have a 'short' somewhere. I've checked the petrol pump and all seems well there. The only thing I've had done to her electrics recently was a new indicator stalk - could faulty wiring in this area cause the problem do you think? Any helpful ideas welcome - thank you
Liz

Post by **simmitc** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:10 am

Most definitely the indicator stalk could be causing the problem. The cable from the stalk runs up under the dashboard to lots of connectors. If oneof these hasn't been joined properly then it could be the problem (need to remove glove box to check). The other likely area is that the cable is clamped between the steering column and the U-shaped support bracket. If not done carefully, it's very easy to pinch the harness and nick one of the individual cables.

Can you trace the problem to a specific action? For example, does the fuse blow when you turn the indicators on? Also, was everything OK before thew new stalk was fitted?

Post by **Alec** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:57 pm

Hello liz,

the problem is that there are several circuits that use this one fuse. (The fuel pump does not, or did not originally so should not stop working if the fuse blows.)
These circuits are all green wires, according to the maual it shows three green wires. The quick way to find out which one is to fit tree temporary fuses and connect all thes to the original and see which one blows. This will narrow down the problem.
However, it often is the case where work has been carried out and a problem occurs soon after, that is the area to check first.

Alec

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:03 pm

If the fuel pump is running from a fuse, these is a chance that fuse will be overloaded. The fuel pump should be wired to unfused side of the ignition feed.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 12:53 pm

Aye - the fuel pump was not fused in the original wiring. You could simply disconnect sections of the wiring - and then see if the car runs ok without that section in use. Also - is the fuse adequate amperage ? It should be 35 amps capacity - which is quite a lot, but is designed to only blow in case of a genuine short.