Minor-friendly auto electrician?

[Oldmogman]

Could anyone recommend an auto electrician in the Berks/Bucks area (I'm in Maidenhead) who's good with classic cars?

I'm guessing I need an old-school type of guy able to track down a fault using a meter and brainpower, rather than someone hoping to plug in a diagnostics kit to give him the answer!

Thx all

[The vast minority]

Post your problem here and you will find you are a good enough auto electrician to work on a minor once equipped with a simple multimeter and electrical tool box.
Al

[Oldmogman]

Thanks TVM - I did post my problem and was advised to track it down with a multimeter and trial and error.

However, after lots of trial (but mostly error) with my simple multimeter, I'm no closer to tracking down the short (which keeps blowing fuses in the in-line carrier that feeds the sidelights and dash lights).

I've checked the continuity of the wires to the front and rear lights, and all seems fine. However, I have to admit I am a novice at electrical diagnosis!

[les]

I'm no wiz kid either when it comes to electrics but if you have a manual and can trace that particular circuit, hopefully you can trace point to point with the meter, after isolating the components. Even small electrical faults can be elusive but it would be a shame to fork out for an electrician, for what appears to be a dead short. Have you checked to see if any of the appropriate wires are earthing out?

[les]

Just had a look at the diagram, there is a red and green wire coming from the light switch, which goes to this inline fuse. From there it feeds the L & R pilot lamps, L & R rear lamps, number plate lamp and the panel lamp switch. From the fuse onward the wires are Red. Maybe if you can isolate these wires at certain points and meter between those points and the body, you may find where it is leaking to earth. Check the wire from the switch as well. Rightly or wrongly this is what I'd be doing!
PS: It's a 10amp fuse.

[bmcecosse]

Well spotted - the 5amp fuse may not be able to carry the current.

[Oldmogman]

Thanks guys - will have another look.

BTW, the 5amp fuse must have been in there for years - certainly never had problems before - but will replace with a 10amp!

[bmcecosse]

5 amps SHOULD be enough - but try a 10 amp just in case the replacement 5 amps are a bit weakly....

[sparkysteve]

5 amps SHOULD be enough - but try a 10 amp just in case the replacement 5 amps are a bit weakly....

NEVER!! upgrade a fuse unless you know exactly the current needed and the wiring size.

seen a few burnt out cars with people doing this

[SteveClem]

Nearly lost my mini in 1975 due to an 'upgraded ' fuse that a local garage had fitted. Been a bit paranoid about fuses since then.

[bmcecosse]

Tschhh - a 10 amp fuse won't carry anything like enough current to cause any damage... I'm not suggesting a 'nail' here - or anywhere else... But continual fuse blowing shows that there must be a 'short' - perhaps inside one of the lamp holders, or where the wires pass through a metal panel and the grommet is missing - and the wires have frayed. Try removing ALL the sidelight bulbs (and switch off the panel lights) - inspect carefully inside each holder for corroded contacts and see if the fuse still blows even with the bulbs out.