[Roadsters] I pulled a "Triumph"!, now diagnostics

[O'Farrell, Fergus P (AS)]

Thanks Graeme.

Yep, I figured remove the fuse, see what baseline reading is across the
contacts.   I am pretty sure the car must be running to get a correct
value, as if the voltage is low (batt only) the current reading will be
flawed.  (not representative of the problem)

Then start unplugging various blinker / tailites, and take readings each
time.  Might not be only one is the culprit.
For starters:
1. remove all side markers and tailite buckets, isolating the front
blinkers
1a. For reference, remove the fronts and connect the rears, isolating
them
2. then reconnect fronts, add one set (side) of rear markers at a time,
possibly one bucket at a time
3. lastly, reconnect each side marker individually

Lighter?  Good point.  I have all the center console removed and taped
off, so certainly worth checking.

Thanks for the help, I am very E-challenged!

FergusO

-----Original Message-----
From: Graeme [mailto:graemes at internode.on.net]
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:45 AM
To: O'Farrell, Fergus P (AS); datsun-roadsters at autox.team.net
Subject: RE: [Roadsters] I pulled a "Triumph"! (all smoke released from
circuit)

Hi Fergus,
You don't say which fuse is running hot so I'm guessing it is the feed
for the lights??
On early cars, it is the "L" fuse and has a 30A rating.
You will need to follow the Schematic for your car to see where the
problem may be.
DO NOT use an ammeter across the fuse contacts unless the fuse is
removed.
An ammeter is a series connected device.
Sounds like you are aware of how to isolate various light circuits and
that will help to narrow the problem down.
Some cars have the Cigar Lighter on the L fuse as well as the Stop Light
switch so you will need to be a detective here and check all
possibilities.

"So, first thing is to replace the jumper, but then next is to check the
amperage going across the fuse contacts and then start unplugging things
(I suspect taillite buckets) until the amperage reads normal again.

So, the normal amperage value is:  _____???"