Burned some wires

[wdoland]

Took my altimeter gauge out to replace my temp. gauge. Marked the wires but tape fell off. Thought I had wires put back right on the alt. but started smoking at the starter when I hooked the battery back up. Without telling me how stupid I am, could someone let me know how much damage I've done?

Wayne

[jeffsunzeri]

Probably little in terms of damaging anything but wiring. The components likely have survived, but you will have to inspect all the suspect wiring for melted insulation. You should open the looms to make sure you have found all potential shorts caused by burned insulation before putting power back to the system and causing more damage.

 

Your are not the first, I assure you.

[wdoland]

It figures that this is the thickest loom under the dash and it's so old and wrapped with tape that it's hard as a rock. Trying to get it out of there is going to be fun. Anyone know a contortionist I can rent? At least I know which loom it is because when it got hot I could trace it from the starter to the gauge with my hand.

[White Spyder]

Been under there replacing the entire harness. This is one of those line in the sand things. If you are going in to check and repair the likelyhood that you have multiple damaged wires ( more likely manny will crumble as you are trying to get to the one you need to check) is high. you might as well order/build an entire new harness.

[Dodgeb4ya]

For new harness install...Easy way is with the dash out.

The near impossible way is with the dash in.

If a convert the dash is welded in!

I have done a few complete harness jobs...dash out.. best way.

Edited August 15, 2015 by Dodgeb4ya

[Frank Elder]

I hate to state the obvious....take the front seat out

[jeffsunzeri]

It's occasions like this that make us run out of cuss words.

[wdoland]

I still have about five %$#@%% cuss words left....make that four.

[Labrauer]

Oh heck just stand on your head with your feet over the front seat and you'll do just fine. I have rewired my two cars this way and I'll admit it isn't a conferrable position to be in but it work for me till the blood rushed to my head and I lost all train of thought. I think if there is a will there is a position for every job. Good luck.

[White Spyder]

I did take out the front seat to do my rewire. With some old pillows it was ok. I did the Windsor with the dash in. Getting the old wire out was harder than getting the new in as it was old and no longer as flexible.

[Frank Elder]

I did take out the front seat to do my rewire. With some old pillows it was ok. I did the Windsor with the dash in. Getting old and no longer as flexible.

That is the statement that describes me...lol.