Series 2 fusebox

[gus3500s]

Hi folk's,

Since owning my 72 3500s,i have had what seems to be a common problem with a melted fusebox.Up until a few day's ago driving with headlights was an interesting game due to them cutting in and out,and the main beam would only work on the inner two lights while the outer two cut out completely.The flash function would light up the full beam filaments only on the outer two........bored yet?.

While scouring the forum,i noticed some threads mentioning fitment of the correct length of fuse.While in town the other day, i decided to visit Halford's and purchase as many of the correct sized fuses as possible.I must admit to being sceptical to this sorting the problem,but to my suprise all light's have started to work as was designed!! .There seems to be no disco lights anymore,but after going for a quick drive tonight to try out my new found seeing power,i lent down to feel the fusebox and nearly lost the tips of my finger's!!.WHAT is the problem with the connections getting so hot,did these cars roll out of the showrooms in the day with this flaw??.How much driving with light's etc can one safely expect to do,before dawning the fire extinguisher??.

Cheers.Gus

 

[quattro]

You could try to clean up the contacts of the fuse box, just use some fine emery cloth and clean every terminal.

It should not be getting that hot.

Have you converted the headlights to halogens?, or connected soemthing else up to the lighting wiring?

 

[gus3500s]

Hi quattro,

I'll try some fine sand paper on the contacts.There is nothing else being powered through the box,all is standard,and as far as i know the headlamps are also standard.

Cheers.Gus

 

[quattro]

Which fuses are getting hot? and is it the top of the fuse, or the bottom of it?

 

[chrisyork]

I guess yu've also seen the other posts on self igniting fuse boxes and the avilable solutions then. If yours is still at the stage of merely being hot and hasn't actually started to melt and distort, then it might be possible to attempt to tighten up the crimps onto the connectors. That is most likely to be the actual cause! If still no joy then it's off to Halfords for a modern equivalent made of a material that doesn't self ignite! Either way a particularely awkward scuffle under the dashboard with too short wires beckons. Sorry!

Various people have observed that the same fusebox in the P5B performs completely without drama. The original problem is therefore likely to be at the door of the subcontractor assembling the looms failing to crimp the terminals properly.

Chris

 

[harveyp6]

You could always add relays, so that there is only a small current through the fuse box to energise the relays with a seperate fused supply to operate the lights.

 

[RAW400]

HI

I have had exactly the same problem on my P6BS. I cleaned the commections today (including all earth straps behind the dash) and it now appears to be fine - watch this space !!

the terminal on the top of the headlamp fuse is partially melted but is still working. I plan to repace the fuse box as a precaution as the wiring is not getting any younger.

its a curious one but it seems to be a common problem.

 

[quattro]

HI

I have had exactly the same problem on my P6BS. I cleaned the commections today (including all earth straps behind the dash) and it now appears to be fine - watch this space !!

the terminal on the top of the headlamp fuse is partially melted but is still working. I plan to repace the fuse box as a precaution as the wiring is not getting any younger.

its a curious one but it seems to be a common problem.

Oh dear :?

The plastic towers on each side of the terminals are the springs which keep the fuse tight. If they have melted, then the fuse will be loose and will overheat even more.