Instrument fuse keeps blowing - any ideas ?

[Nick Woods]

The fuse which controls my fuel gauge, water temp, oil pressure, rev counter and heater fan has blown twice in succession - its a 10 amp one labelled 'instruments and heater'. It blew the first time when I braked fairly hard to slow down for a 30mph speed limit.

 

I replaced it, and with the ignition on but engine not running the fuel gauge and heater worked. However when I started the engine they all went dead again and when I pulled the fuse it had blown.

 

I suspect either a duff connection, loose wire or faulty instrument, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a common or obvious cause I could look at first to save me some time ?

 

Failing that I think I'll just disconnect all the instruments and reconnect them one at a time with the engine running until the fuse blows again - are there any pitfalls I need to be aware of or will this strategy be ok ?

 

Nick

P8MRA - The greenid=green> one with redid=red> wings

[Robster]

Make sure that the small lights for the full beam/alternator etc are not out. They are only pushed into little tubes and if they come out they touch the bulkhead and short.

[Nick Woods]

Thanks - I'll try that first. I've just bought 50 10-amp fuses so I can start trying things out this evening.

 

Nick

P8MRA - The greenid=green> one with redid=red> wings

[Nick Woods]

Thanks again Robster - you were correct, three bulbs had come loose and were causing a short.