Traxide USI-160 Problem?

[Oztourer]

Just noticed the case on my Traxide isolator is deformed. Looks like it could be from heat. Anyone else's look similar? I don't appear to be having any problems with it.
119056

[LandyAndy]

I'm sure Tim wont be far away with an answer.
Andrew

[Oztourer]

Yes. I sent an email to him last week but have not heard anything yet (maybe on holidays) so I thought I'll throw it out there.

[drivesafe]

Hi Oz, I did get your e-mail, and your photo may have helped me solve that problem with your USI-160 case.

I have a couple of thousand USI-160 isolators in service and have only had about 10 or so units suffer with that case distortion.

I did have a problem where one of the studs would cause the case to melt but this was resolved pretty quickly ( I changed the installation and instructions ) and while I still get one back every so often, that is a different and resolved issue.

The deformed case happens so infrequently that, up till now, I could not find the reason for it.

Then while looking at your photo, something occurred to me, I was not positive but I could only remember getting deformed USI-160 units back from D3 owners.

So I check records I have of returns, and sure enough of the few returns I could track down, they were all from D3s.

This twigged a possible cause and so I started some tests.

At this stage it is still a theory but it is the location of the USI-160 in a D3, or more accurately, the material the USI-160 is mounted on.

Just about every other installation location for USI-160 isolators will be on metal, the exception being in a D3, where it is mounted on the PLASTIC battery compartment wall.

Even then, it is only about 1% or 2% that end up deforming.

I am looking at making a simple aluminium backing plate for D3 kits and this should resolve the problem.

Once I have the plate, Oz, I'll get in touch with you.