Club 80-90 Forums

CJH wrote:

bigherb wrote:
Just to make sure I understand this - when you turn the circuit on at 17 seconds in, your test light is dim for a moment because most of the current flows to earth through the grounded Pin 1 wire, but a split second later the current limiter cuts in causing much more of the current to then flow through the lamp, making it bright.

Yes correct to the first part as the primary windings in the coil are acting as a resistor droping the voltage causing the bulb to dim. When the current limiter goes open circuit then no current is flowing as it has no return path (apart from the small amount to light the bulb) putting no load through the resistor.

what2do wrote: Wh I bet you're thinking I'll run around with the temporary wire for months just like I did with the wooden batten in the engine bay

That's exactly what will happen.
Now it runs some other shiny thing will get your attention

itchyfeet wrote:

what2do wrote: Wh I bet you're thinking I'll run around with the temporary wire for months just like I did with the wooden batten in the engine bay

That's exactly what will happen.
Now it runs some other shiny thing will get your attention

Day 1 running with a temp feed, I predict at least a couple more I will see to it and report back once I know more.

I forgot to say, it runs on both petrol and LPG. The added bonus of running on LPG is that it stops when I turn the ignition off whereas it continues to run with petrol until I remove the feed from the coil. Happy days in bodger's paradise.

You should still remove feed to coil even if LPG stops.

itchyfeet wrote:You should still remove feed to coil even if LPG stops.

I appreciate that - I have learned something the last few days!!

In fact, it's been a very informative period. For a few years I've read the posts and advice when others have had running problems but because I've not been required to apply it, not much of the info sinks in. I was fortunate that I was local when I broke down, it was barely inconvenient as we managed with the family car and I hired a little runaround for 3 days. The hire was £62 for 3 days and the way I look at is that I've gained a lot of vital knowledge for a mere £62 that I would possibly have not learned beforehand. I'd say that was pretty good value for money especially when I've read of people using mobile auto electricians that have got the vehicle working, taking payment, problem resurfaced a few miles down the road and the mechanic doesn't return calls. I've not suffered any of that stress and managed to establish a better understanding of my van with the assistance of the forum and possibly others may learn from it too.

It's all good in my book, thanks to those that participated.

Had a bit of a fiddle behind the fuse box today, didn't find anything disconnected, gave everything a firm push to make sure all connectors were as they should be. Must have done the trick as its all tickety boo now. Lessons learned - many!