Hi Gary
BTDT
I was reaching in to the engine bay on a Toledo to undo the dizzy clamp when
the starter (and engine) started turning, then within a second pain, I had
shorted the solenoid terminals with the band of my watch. It is such an easy
route to reach in but I couldn't get my hand out fast, damn watch kept
hooking to things, it was still glowing red when it hit the deck. No that is
not an exaggeration it had got red hot, no real surprise as it was drawing
cranking current through it!
And yes my watch didn't die from the heat / volts, it died many years later
of old age!
Graham.
----- Original Message -----
From: <Gbouff1@aol.com>
Subject: Bonehead auto repair mishap
> I'm sure most of us have been involved in some real bonehead experiences
> while working on our LBCs. But what just happened to me would make the
Three
> Stooges proud.
>
> While trying to do a quick adjustement of the throttle linkage on my TR3A.
I
> suddenly experience a very painfull sensation in my left wrist. At first,
I
> couldn't figure out what was going on as the pain was located under my
wrist
> watch band, you know, one of the flexible metal bands with the snap
buckle.
> The pain was still increasing when I detected the familiear smell of flesh
> and hair burning (triggered by memories of other mishaps). Those snap
> buckles sure take a long time to unhook when you're in a panic. I finally
> removed the watch and realized that it was too hot to handle.
>
> It seems that while trying to adjust the linkage my watch band made a
> complete circuit between the metal heater-valve pipe and the battery lead
to
> the starter selenoid. It's amazing how fast 12 volts of DC current and a
few
> hundred amps will heat up a watch band. I now have second degree burns
that
> look a lot like the design of the reverse side of my watch band.
>
> Truly one for the bonehead archives. BTW, the watch still works fine.
>
> Gary Bouffard
> 59 TR3A
> 59 Bugeye
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