Johnston, Leif wrote:
>
> I guess it is general unfamiliarity, the lack of access to the right
> manuals blah blah I keep trying to find a haynes manual but they don't
> seem to be available. I will break down and order the bentlel shop
> manual.
>
> I als o have a general hesitation to put in a $230 harness when I am not
> sure of the cause for the shorts - what if the alternator/generator is
> overcharging, etc - there goes the harness.
>
> Anyway would you recommend cloth braid or lacquer?
>
> Thanks
> Signed
> Struggling (but learning and having fun) with a TR4
>
Leif,
I should preface my comments with the fact I have never worked on a TR4,
but have been through much of what you are going through.
Manuals are not too tough to find, but don't think you are going to get
them at the mail order parts places. I have found numerous manuals at
local swap meets. I bought a new, still wrapped in plastic Haynes manual
for the TR2, 3, 3A, 4 and 4A. Cost me $20 at Carlisle PA, the monster
swap meet of the east. It seems most manuals I have run across are TR4
manuals, but I probably came to this conclusion since I have a TR3 and a
couple of TR250's!
You can't go wrong with Bentley manuals, mine are worth every penny.
Sometimes you have to read a section several times to translate it into
American English, though!
Sounds like your existing harness is pretty good, with some nightmeres
in the starting and ignition areas. I would spend a fair amount of time
trying to fix your existing harness, as installing a new harness is a
big job, and as you have found out, an expensive one!
If you decide to go the new harness route, and you are careful to
install it correctly, it should cure your electric system woes pretty
much once and for all. The reason a bad harness goes from bad to worse
to non-functional is the wires have a tendency to short out and melt all
the surrounding wires together. Pretty much a bad thing. You will need
to replace all sections of wire that were effected by the meltdown, not
just rewrap to provide new insulation.
So, to answer your question, an overcharging generator shouldn't fry
your harness.
Also, in case you haven't figured this out yet, the number one reason
electric things stop working on LBC's is corrosion. Connectors will
corrode, lights stop working because they no longer have a good ground
due to corrosion, etc. Of course, a melted wiring harness will cause
problems as well!
--
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Henry Frye E-mail - thefryes@iconn.net
TR3B TCF1927 L http://www.iconn.net/thefryes/
TR250 CD8096 L A Little Town In
TR250 CD1074 L Connecticut, USA
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