MG Midget Forum

I let the smoke out from under the dash testing the headlights, or fan switch. Don't know which because I hit them both. Red Wires.

I am fairly sure it's in the headlights area, as that is where I touched the wires last. I cleaned them up a bit, no cutting, when I put the grill back on when I redid the head.

My plan is to figure where the short is and fix that. But I want to take the time to install relays now that I am missing with the wiring. Here is my question.

Should I just get a new harness and modify that one? $500.00-$600.00 all said and done with other parts relays, connectors such.

-Or-

Should I get new wire and repair? Unknown cost, but should be cheaper. "Here is my concern, Dude" Where else did it melt?

Extra points for guessing the movie reference.

Bill

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Bill Debevc

http://CloudsCarsCameras.com
Photo Gallery: http://cloudscarscameras.com/car-photos/

Twitter @BillDebevc

Where's my car, and Bill let the smoke out. Sorry to here that happened to you. I know you just got it up and running again after working on the head. Can't help or make recomendations on the wiring harness but $500-600 for a new one seams a lot. I would be inclined to see just how much is burnt and replace it as needed.

Red wires? They may not be original to start with.

Bill,

I bought a Chinese headlight wiring harness with ceramic headlight plugs and relays for about $22 Australian to replace the one that's missing in my project BL Midget. I can't make that section of wiring cheaper than the supplied section. It does need to be shortened for installation and I'm going to be making up replacement sections for the parker/indicator lights. Compared to the headlight wiring, the park lights are a doddle. For about $75 I could have purchased headlight wiring loom section with integral HID or Zenon globes and rectifiers but I've already set aside a nice pair of halogens which will be fine. I am considering replacing the park/reverse/indicator globes with LED's which appear to be straight forward swap. The power drain, reliability and light output seems to be irresistible.

It'll be ages before I fit the wiring loom in to the car but I'm getting all the bits together in preparation. I'm replacing/remaking/simplifying/upgrading as I go. I'm less concerned about originality than reliability and neatness. Where bullet type connections remain I'll use them if they appear to be in good condition. Otherwise, MODERN connectors are being used.

At least, Dude, you know where your car is.

Good luck!

When working on wiring if you round up an inline fuse holder as is used on most radio installations and is easy to come by at any auto parts store you can protect the system quite easily. I use a hose clamp to clamp one end of the fuse holder to the battery post and just clamp it under the clamp bolt on you regular battery post clamp at the other end. You then have the whole system fused.

Saves the smoke while you get things sorted!!

Kurt.

What AMP should I use for a whole system fuse?

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Bill Debevc

http://CloudsCarsCameras.com
Photo Gallery: http://cloudscarscameras.com/car-photos/

Twitter @BillDebevc

Kurt is only talking about using it for testing, not normal use.
I personally use a 5 or 10 amp fuse for this
BillM

Bill,

The old fuse box uses 2x 30 amp fuses one for accessories when power is on and one for the charging and ignition circuit. Using an inline fuse for particular accessories (like lights) is calculated by how big an amperage draw you use. Standard sealed beam headlights are only 65 at high beam unless you've upgraded to, say H4 halogens.

Kurt's idea for protecting wiring while you are working on it is a good one which I'll implement myself. A momentary spark when positive power runs to earth could ruin your new accessories. I'll use a 10 amp fuse.

By the way, you mentioned red wires letting the smoke out. They probably belong to the after market radiator fan you fitted so start with tracing them. Disconnect the fan and see if you still have smoke.

Yes, as Bill noted, that is just for getting the car sorted out after wiring and I use a 10 amp fuse. Came up with it to sort out my Bug Eye.....the DPO had wired in 3 dead shorts! [cooked wires, cooked light switch, and shorted wiper motor!]

Kurt.

There is even a automotive style re-setable mini circuit breakers you could wire in instead of a inline fuse. Saves running to the store when you run out of blown fuses.

Great idea Tim.

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Bill Debevc

http://CloudsCarsCameras.com
Photo Gallery: http://cloudscarscameras.com/car-photos/

Twitter @BillDebevc

Finally had time today to take a look at the damage. I removed the steering wheel assembly and lowered the dash.

Here are the photos of the damage, looks like just the red/white wires were effected.

Now to study the wiring diagram, and determine the best route to take.

What are your thoughts?


Edit: added wire diagram

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Bill Debevc

http://CloudsCarsCameras.com
Photo Gallery: http://cloudscarscameras.com/car-photos/

Twitter @BillDebevc



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-05-23 11:56 AM by bim9bill.

Being a cheap skate I think I would try to find the short and then strip the cover to see how extensive the damage is. I don't like the look's of the spot where they have been chafing against the choke cable. I'd check that and anywhere else that look's similar.

BTW "Dude" I'm thinking your quote is from " The Big Lebowski"! Classic!!

Kurt

I started the cleanup process today.

First goal was to get the wrapping off and zip tie in place.
I did not want to remove any wires yet, as that would be a mess to get it back on again in the right place.

Next is to replace the Red / White wire everywhere its is burnt from end to end.

I am starting to think if they had zip-ties back then they would have used them everywhere.

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Bill Debevc

http://CloudsCarsCameras.com
Photo Gallery: http://cloudscarscameras.com/car-photos/

Twitter @BillDebevc

I noticed in the pictures that several of the bullet connectors aren't fully pressed into the sleeves. Spray a little contact cleaner in each one and double check all the bullets. You'll be glad you did....... no smoking allowed