Jonathan Kay

Thanks Jonathan

Quoting Dr Slotter: USB sockets that plug into 12v sockets will blow fuses if the wiring to the socket is the wrong way round.Do they blow the fuse as soon as connected or when a USB device is connected when you want to charge? Thanks Jonathan

Quoting Pierson: The conditioner attaches to the battery via a two-prong (+ve and -ve) plug and matching socket, which when 'broken', enables the cable to be left permanently attached to the battery but the conditioner to be disconnected. The conditioner is a Halfords own unit and came with two sets of cables, one to connect and leave (as I have done) and the other with sprung terminal clips which can be attached as required. As I don't need the second cable I cut off the plug and wired this as the fly-lead attached to the poles on the back of the accessory socket. I can hence disconnect this when I need to leave the car on the conditioner but re-connect the plugs when on the move to power the socket. Thanks. I wired my socket to the battery and put a cigar lighter plug on the lead from the charger... Jonathan

I don't understand how you've wired this. Is there another plug and socket in the lead between the socket on the bulkhead and the battery? It sounds as if you've just pulled too much current when charging the 'phone. But 3A would be enough for most devices charged using USB: what charger and 'phone (or other device) were you using? I'd have a good look at the wiring and the plug and socket. Then try again with a 5A fuse. In the thread above people use fuses rated at 10A or greater. Your conditioning charger won't be affected. Jonathan Edited by - Jonathan Kay on 27 May 2013 16:12:02

Related observations: Here and here Jonathan

Yes and more here. Jonathan Edited by - Jonathan Kay on 26 May 2013 23:30:39

Would your boot cover (with poppers) be suitable for someone who has removed their hoodsticks because they are using a half hood? Jonathan

Battery voltage at rest and on trying to crank? Jonathan

Rain-X is excellent*. But it doesn't last long and you just need to keep applying it. Jonathan * Even compared to half a potato.

James Whiting's improved servicing schedule Jonathan

Discussed here and here. Jonathan

Yes, just got a response from China yesterday. Order will need to be 30 rather than 25. I'll go ahead and assume a few more will join in. I'll update when I know prices. Jonathan

Previous discussion Jonathan

*arrowup* *arrowup*County or engine? Jonathan

Snaps! Jonathan

Photo here Jonathan

TTIWWP Jonathan

I find the labelling on coolant very confusing. Caterham have Comma XStream XSM5L for £17.10 + p&p Amazon have XSM5L for £16.98 inc p&p Halfords have Comma XStream G30 (which is probably XSM5L) for £24.99 ... all 5L premixed. I'd get a big bottle from either Caterham or Amazon. Usual safety warning: this stuff is very poisonous. Keep it away from children. Jonathan Edited by - Jonathan Kay on 24 May 2013 13:53:34

You'll be fine. There's a lot of discussion about different coolant types but most of it can be safely ignored for your (and my) purposes for K series engines in ordinary use. If you post a link to what you're proposing to use (and if possible what's already in) we can confirm that it's OK. Jonathan

*arrowup* *arrowup*Yes, pictures and description here explaining the crimp for the contact with the wire and the crimp for the strain relief. Jonathan

Quoting Blue7: After all this I never would have suspected the problem to be with the rain light wiring...And it's not as if anyone else did... ? ;-) Glad it's fixed. Jonathan

That sounds like progress. Jonathan

Quoting Roger Ford: ... and as we are vintage tyre pump enthusiasts ...Wow, some people really do have obscure hobbies.Missed that post, must have been too busy appreciating pylons. Jonathan Edited by - Jonathan Kay on 22 May 2013 09:43:34

Sorry, should have said "fault with wiring or the LED lamp fitting". But the problem doesn't occur when you you have the lamp fitting connected to the battery rather than the additional wiring. It sounds as if as long as the additional rain lamp wiring and lamp housing and LEDs are open circuit there is no problem, but when they aren't there is. Jonathan

Do you mean close the circuit? If not more details please. Jonathan PS: it's a wiring fault