Electrical excitement - nearly a fire!

[Notty Noo]

Coming home from a day trip, we noticed a 'warm' smell in the cab, then just as we pulled up at the house I saw whisps of smoke from the steering column!

When I took the cover off, I found that one of the two choc-blocks powering the radio from the live feeds had melted. I had to cut it off to replace it. Since then she has been fine but I don't know why the choc-block melted and I am obviously concerned. Surely there shouldn't be that kind of current running through those wires? I have left the steering column cover off for now so I can keep an eye on it.

There is one thing that I know was wrong: the radio has recently been cutting out and I discovered today that the other chock-block is actually too big and is intermittently loosing contact. This is what has been causing the radio to cut out. I have now replaced that one too.

Here's a http://flic.kr/p/bZd6nY link to a photo of the new wiring and the old chock-blocks. The melted one was on the red top wire (permanent live) and the oversized one was on the yellow and black lower wire (switched live).

Could the bad switched connection have caused the permanent one to melt its chock-block? Have I fixed it? How can I be sure and is there anything else I should do?

Any advice gratefully received.

--- Alistair (and Notty)

[jamesc76]

if it smoked it was carrying current! More than likely a little corrosion on the connection which will create a resistance in it which = heat = smoke! glad you got it before it went up!

[Oldiebut goodie]

There was more than a little corrosion - look at the rust inside the old ones!

Solder and shrink wrap and also sort out the water leak.

[jamesc76]

There was more than a little corrosion - look at the rust inside the old ones!

Solder and shrink wrap and also sort out the water leak.

Never noticed the link!!! Its been shorting across your very lucky that didnt go up!!!! Like been said, do it properly, choch block is only oksih for the speaker cables not power due to vibration!

[Notty Noo]

Hmm, thanks. So I need to learn to solder. What about crimped bullet connectors, are they any good in this situation instead of Chock-block? I suppose not as it is still a dry joint.

I was not aware I had any leaks, certainly no sign of moisture around the steering column and no idea how it would get there without me seeing puddles in the footwell. I can't deny that corrosion though. I am going to a met-up on Sunday and will ask around there.

[E D I T]I have also now invested in a fire extinguisher![/E D I T]

Alistair (and Notty)

[jamesc76]

any crimp connector is ok! there designed for the job!

[Notty Noo]

Thanks, I might sort that before the meet then.

[syncroandy]

IMO its a REALLY bad idea to be interfering with any of the main wires to/from the ignition switch, the best place to pick up a new battery positive is the back of the relay plate where there should be several spare spade terminals. It shouldn't be necessary to butcher any critical wiring at all..

[Notty Noo]

That's probably a fair comment but sadly the damage has already been done.