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RE: [TR] Electrical Short in '74 TR6

To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: [TR] Electrical Short in '74 TR6
From: "Randall" <tr3driver@ca.rr.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:36:46 -0800
> What is the general approach to finding a short in the 
> circuit that  includes 
> turnsignals, guages, etc.?  A fuse blew out a short time ago which  I 
> replaced and blew out again.
> Is there a way to isolate where the problem is?

That's one of the harder things to find.  A good first step is to install a
12v bulb across the fuse holder (using clip leads) ... I keep a stash of
burned-out headlight bulbs for this sort of thing.  (Headlight bulbs have
two filaments, usually only the low beam burns out, so the high beam
filament can be used for testing.)  The bulb will light brightly while the
short exists, then go dim (or out) when it's removed.

Start of course by turning off everything that can be turned off.  Then you
can graduate to disconnecting things.

If all else fails, you may be able to trace where the current is going by
using a magnetic compass.  When it gets close to a wire carrying current,
the needle should deflect to align with the wire.  There are also
non-contact current probes sold, but they are kind of expensive for just a
single use.

Randall



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