DeTomaso Mailing List: June 2000, Message #144

Your problem was caused by either a loose connection at the left hand
terminal or corrosion on the left hand terminal. Either way it produced a
high resistance connection. As you have already discovered, current through
a high resistance connection produces heat.  (Exact same reason why aluminum
wiring caused some homes to burn down some years ago.)


HPB

-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso@realbig.com [mailto:detomaso@realbig.com]On Behalf Of
Thomas Curb
Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2000 4:29 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Melted wires...now a mystery


Thanks Bill (and all) for thorough explanation on the
amp gauge.

Here is the latest...(BTW the gauge worked normally
all through my melt down, and still works.)

Removed the gauge plate and looked at amp gauge up
close. First off, there is an external shunt. Looks
quite small. Was thinking of something bigger.

No corrosion, all was tight.

The left hand terminal (sitting in driver seat) was
cooked, the right looked like new. Go figure

My theory...battery was very low. Perhaps the current
to charge the battery was too much for the gauge. In
the mean time I have charged the battery, and have
cautiously started the car. No smoke, no fire!

Could my theory hold water? Let me know.

Regards,Tom



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