Temp Gauge

[cewilson]

On our last trip I had trouble with the earth on the temp gauge. So I put a wire between the negative terminal and the seat base. This had an electrical connection in the middle of it so I can isolate the battery fully.

Now the other day when I was doing a short trip, the electrical connection and the wire either side of it melted. The wire is approx 6mm. I am going to put another wire in - but this one from the isolator so I don't need any connections.

BUT - what caused it. I did a check and everything seems alright, but it certainly has pumped some serious amps through that line for some reason or other, which has got me stumped.

Cheers
Chris

[rovercare]

You need to maintain continuity between the starter body and the battery neg, and capable of carrying the amperage required to make the starter go whiizzzz:D

You've lost this, so the current takes the path of least resistance.......your little earth in this instance

You need to check you have a substantial bond from, battery to body, battery to chassis and battery to engine block, so check all your earths, clean them up an see how you go;)

[camel_landy]

I'll second that... Basically, the -ve for your starter has probably used your little bit of wire as it's the best route available to it!!!

FWIW - When I had similar problems on my truck, I just ran a heavy duty cable straight from the battery to the starter mounting bolt. If you come out of the battery box, along the chassis & up to the engine, it's quite a short & direct route.

HTH

M