Rusty ground contacts causing short?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Rusty ground contacts causing short?
Keep blowing P&A fuse. Have tried to isolate by disconnecting things but it keeps happening. Went 350 miles this week before it happened again. I almost thought I had isolated it. Was wondering if anyone has seen this caused by dirty, rusty ground connector. My brother thought it could be bad rectifier, but I think that would lead to more serious problems. The bike runs fine, just loose speedometer, turn signals and brake lights. Have disconnected accessory power connector only, after removing all accessories.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
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From: Midwest
When that fuse blows sproradically, 90% of the time it's a wiring issue on your handlebars. If you've had the grip clamps off, you may have a pinched wire. If you haven't, you may have some insulation that's rubbed away somewhere.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Handlebar wires and cables have always freaked me out for some reason, even though stuff like working in the cam chest or primary don't scare me at all.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
a rusty ground connector will NOT cause a fuse to blow, but it may make gauges act up and the lights to be dim.....I agree with sharknose about the handlebars being a likely problem area...also wires inside of the fenders and anywhere they get bent regularly like the steering neck area..
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 300
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From: Black Hills
Believe it or not, HD has a 'wiggle' test in the electrical diagnostics manual. Don't laugh, it works.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
...and that increased resistance can blow a fuse or a breaker.
If this uses a conventional fuse, look at it:
A "sagged" fuse material indicates overload
A "splattered" or "sooty" indicates a short circuit.
1st day of 9th grade electricity class.
If you have a bunch of rusty connections, clean them up. A "nick-sander" from the auto body section at the auto parts store is a little fiberglass brush that works great. follow up with a contact cleaner and die-electric grease
Mike
If this uses a conventional fuse, look at it:
A "sagged" fuse material indicates overload
A "splattered" or "sooty" indicates a short circuit.
1st day of 9th grade electricity class.
If you have a bunch of rusty connections, clean them up. A "nick-sander" from the auto body section at the auto parts store is a little fiberglass brush that works great. follow up with a contact cleaner and die-electric grease
Mike
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