HELP! 2 hours and 85 miles with no 100amp fuse????
HELP! 2 hours and 85 miles with no 100amp fuse????
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T40ORA

Original Poster:

5,177 posts

249 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
Following my earlier thread, I can't get a fuse today and the car's booked in for service.

I've trickle charged the battery overnight; what does anyone think of the liklyhood that I can run it for 2 hours and 80 odd miles just on the battery? Is it a definite no-no, marginal and risky, or fine?

My gut feel is that it would not last for 2 hours but I have to confess to having no understanding so it's only guesswork.

Ah; the joys of ownership. FABULOUS day, looking forward to the drive to Culompton with the roof off. But not to be?

Thanks in advance.

David Godfrey

3,857 posts

254 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
Mine ran with battery that would not hold charge, would require a power booster to start it up, I'm not sure what other issues you may experience but at a minimum I would ensure you have breakdown cover.
Would also think if you either stall it or need to stop for petrol etc when your out, it may be a long stop.

Another idea, do you have an indy near you? Mine had fuses in stock.

T40ORA

Original Poster:

5,177 posts

249 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
David Godfrey said:
Mine ran with battery that would not hold charge, would require a power booster to start it up, I'm not sure what other issues you may experience but at a minimum I would ensure you have breakdown cover.
Would also think if you either stall it or need to stop for petrol etc when your out, it may be a long stop.

Another idea, do you have an indy near you? Mine had fuses in stock.
Mina stalled last night at 8.5V and needed a boost start to get it the last quarter mile; the problem is that I don't know how long it would take to drop to that voltage.

As for the Indy, yeah I just remembered that there is one a few miles away that have fuses so I'll pop down there and come back prepared for skinned knuckles and much cussing!

I'll miss the service today but if I can get it running it will be one small step for mankind, and a massive leap for my confidence! Such a mechanical twit that changing this fuse will be a big achievement!

tail slide

2,169 posts

277 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
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Glad you found solution - I had to run with no fuse once. If anyone's tempted, you won't get far.

Battery was 'fast charged' for 20 min to give it some life. Lasted just 10 miles before creeping back down to 10V. Realised the electric power steering was main drain, found you can drive without but parking is a test! I just unplugged relay (on top of steering rack on nearside).

David Godfrey

3,857 posts

254 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
tail slide said:
snip
Realised the electric power steering was main drain, found you can drive without but parking is a test!
Agree with this, it's mine fuse was broken (not blown) and connected some times, made parking a nightmare, don't let the cars light weight fool you.

Hope the indy can help with the fuse.

GreenV8S

31,019 posts

314 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
If you're only averaging 40 mph for two hours I guess you'll be using the fans a lot so I don't think you'll make that. Can't you simply bolt the two sides of the fuse together? (Actually fwiw I think that's a good permanent solution to the problem, but even if you only consider it as a temporary repair it would certainly get you there.)

T40ORA

Original Poster:

5,177 posts

249 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
It's true you know; you learn more by mistakes and problems than anything else. Thanks for the replies.

I've new a fuse in my grubby little hands now, but it's too late to go for the service.

I intend to have a look at replacing it tomorrow. The only thing is that I was put off by the Indy; quite adamant that it's a job that needs to be done properly otherwise the fuse will continue to blow.

Now, he seemed genuine enough; however, an hours labour charge will be winging it's way to his pocket if I take it in for them to do Monday morning.

I'm pretty mechanically inept so I'm tempted to take it in and watch and learn. But I still intend to have a go tomorrow, at least taking off the airbox and looking for the old one.

David Godfrey

3,857 posts

254 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
you can do it, if you can find the leaver for the bonnet you'l be fine smile
that said it may blow again, in which case it needs someone to have a "proper" look at it.

T40ORA

Original Poster:

5,177 posts

249 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
David Godfrey said:
you can do it, if you can find the leaver for the bonnet you'l be fine smile
that said it may blow again, in which case it needs someone to have a "proper" look at it.
Well my thoughts are that if I can do it myself tomorrow (now how DO you open the lid?) it can be checked at the service.

LaserTam

2,183 posts

249 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
Hi Lee,

Hope you get it sorted in quick order, just have to get your hands dirty...

Enjoyed the course by the way!

Ian

T40ORA

Original Poster:

5,177 posts

249 months

Saturday 7th July 2007
quotequote all
LaserTam said:
Hi Lee,

Hope you get it sorted in quick order, just have to get your hands dirty...

Enjoyed the course by the way!

Ian
Friggin' masochist. How on earth can you enjoy a PRINCE2 Course ;-)

Thanks Ian; hands dirty time it is. But I can't complain really; 24k and this is th emost serious problem.