Wiring getting old
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 198
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From: Ft. Pierce Fl usa
Wiring getting old
Ok here is my problem. I'm working with a 85 F-350 460 Crew Cab which I won't let die ever. The ammeter in the dash normally shows nothing, + or -. If I get up under the hood and shake around those old fusable links and general wiring, it comes alive again. I have replaced the ignition system with a MSD 6a and would also like to get rid of some extra plugs and wires left behind by that change as well.
Is my problem old wiring breaking down and what is the resolution? Are wiring kits available?
Thanks
MT
Is my problem old wiring breaking down and what is the resolution? Are wiring kits available?
Thanks
MT
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,965
Likes: 2,725
From: Virginia
Wiring harnesses are hard to find and expensive if you do. I would keep working with what you have.
Find the big lug output wire coming off the alt. Follow this wire along it's route up to the fender area. Somewhere along the way you should see a strange piece spliced in with two smaller wires coming off either side. This piece is called a shunt, and is a very very small resistor. When current is flowing, a small voltage is generated, and the two smaller wires hooked to either side, pick up this voltage and send it to the ammeter in the dash(the ammeter in the dash is really a very sensitive voltmeter). Check this area out and see if anything is corroded or loose. You will probably have to un-wrap the wiring to find it.
Find the big lug output wire coming off the alt. Follow this wire along it's route up to the fender area. Somewhere along the way you should see a strange piece spliced in with two smaller wires coming off either side. This piece is called a shunt, and is a very very small resistor. When current is flowing, a small voltage is generated, and the two smaller wires hooked to either side, pick up this voltage and send it to the ammeter in the dash(the ammeter in the dash is really a very sensitive voltmeter). Check this area out and see if anything is corroded or loose. You will probably have to un-wrap the wiring to find it.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Pierce Fl usa
Thanks again Dave. I just cut the wrap off and found the copper pinch corroded. Cleaned it up and rewrapped and it's working fine. I will start with some of the other wireing system shortly to repair them as well.
