07-22-2021, 06:59 PM | #1 |
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Ammeter burnt
1928 Model A Coupe Special: Took it for a drive, parked it, worked on projects around the house and when I went to start the A and put it in garage I found ammeter was fried. Dragged it I to garage and found wires burned up. My question is how can I test the horn wire to tell if it's damaged? I found the light switch connector block fried. Since car is coupe I can't get horn rod out and will need to take steering out which is a big job for a dumb guy. How to test the horn wire if it's good is the question?
Last edited by AntMac; 07-22-2021 at 07:08 PM. |
07-22-2021, 07:56 PM | #2 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
If the horn wire in the horn rod is shorted the horn won't stop blowing
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07-23-2021, 08:06 AM | #3 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
I removed the horn and battery. The horn was not blowing and the lights were not flashing. I don't understand.
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07-23-2021, 08:30 AM | #4 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
The horn ground controls the unit. The wire from the bottom of the rod to the button should have no continuity with the rod itself until the button is pushed. It can be tested with an ohms meter. If it looks good then it will likely check out OK. if it has continuity for both pushed and unpushed or no continuity at all then the wire is damaged. Ground circuits will likely not be affected by a short unless there was a problem with the horn during its sounding function.
Your massive short is the result of no protective fuse in the buss circuit. A person will need to test all components to see that they are intact and functional. With the extent of your damage, it appears to have shorted all or a major portion of the power circuits. Finding the original location of the short to ground becomes more difficult due to the amount of damage. Wires burn very quickly when under direct short conditions and even on 6-volt power. |
07-23-2021, 08:37 AM | #5 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Seems like a new wiring harness may be in order.
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07-23-2021, 09:33 AM | #6 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
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Obsolete Ford Parts in Sacramento I believe has a good one. And also of course a new ammeter. The ones today are sourced from overseas but Bratton's told me that they are workable. If those two little knurled plastic nuts on the back of your ammeter work their way loose it will get the ammeter hot and burn it out. That's what sound like probably happened here. It happened to me years ago on the Tudor. It's a good idea to pop the dash every know and then and make sure they are tight as part of regular maintenance. That won't do you any good now but may help in the future. Good luck |
07-23-2021, 10:18 AM | #7 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
I'd take a look at the stoplight switch, especially if it's a reproduction.
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07-23-2021, 01:42 PM | #8 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Thanks everyone. I am replacing all wiring but really didn't want to replace horn wire if I didn't have to since car is enclosed. Ordered parts last week but a lot on back order due to this crazy covid world backlog of production and finding employees. Thanks again !
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07-23-2021, 02:58 PM | #9 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
When it comes to replacing parts, I'd recommend NOS or good used. A whole lot of repro stuff is pretty much junk. [ especially ammeters and the cheap stop switches.].
If you can't find good wire harness, it wouldn't take too more to make one. I've read quite a few complaints here about harness quality issues. Woven insulation wire [ old timey] is available, especially woven loom. |
07-23-2021, 03:01 PM | #10 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Also, take a look at your cutout.
__________________
A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
07-23-2021, 03:58 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Quote:
Tom Endy |
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07-23-2021, 04:23 PM | #12 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Wiring harness from Sacramento Vintage is top notch. Very well made.
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07-23-2021, 05:46 PM | #13 |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Sacramento Vintage is the best because they have the proper machinery to make the wiring from scratch...authentically.
When they had a print catalog they showed all their equipment and it was impressive. You could also buy the cloth covered wire with the correct stripes by the foot. They have a website...check it out. |
07-23-2021, 06:05 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Ammeter burnt
Quote:
Also yes the stoplight switch. A&L doesn't sell direct anymore but you can get their parts thru most of the big Model A Parts vendors. Well worth the extra $$ on everything they make. |
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