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posted on June 23rd, 2013 at 09:32 PM
Cheapest electrical upgrade
Short version.
Rip out all your fuses and fit new ones.
Long version.
When I bought my Lbug back in '08 the electrics were pretty sad. Several things were not working due to water leaking thru the bulkhead and dripping
onto the fusebox causing corrosion. I gave it a quick swipe and all has seemed ok since.
Until last month when my right hand headlight stopped working. Problem was traced back to the fusebox. All fuses looked ok, and a poke and wriggle did
nothing.
When I started removing fuses and having a good look at them the problems started to show.
Half of the fuses had holes and rings burned into the ends, and a couple were burned black on the end.
Not to mention the poor condition of the fuse retainers.
Solution.
Swabbed the fuse holders repeatedly with CLR and wiped them with a damp cloth.
Fitted all new fuses.
Result.
Headlights are nearly twice as bright. Engine idles quieter and smoother. More power, too. Wipers moving a bit quicker.
Best $2.00 and half hour I ever spent on a car!
68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
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posted on June 23rd, 2013 at 09:42 PM
GREAT TIP FOR CLEANING CONNECTORS AND FUSEBOX..
Hi
I would never have thought to use CLR.. even though I have it.. lol
My fusebox was always getting hot and lights getting dimmer etc..
and I had cleaned the contacts with wire brush and steel wool..
I used to turn the fuses around so they would self clean..
as You have found out, copper gets contaminated over time just from the air, water doesn't help..
I have since replaced the fusebox with a new one with push/pull out fuses.
CLR .. You can dip the ends of your cables,connectors in CLR too..
make them all like new... Great Tip...
cheers
LEE
- [size=4]Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY--- [/size]
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posted on June 24th, 2013 at 08:50 PM
Quote:
Originally
posted by 68AutoBug
Hi
I would never have thought to use CLR.. even though I have it.. lol
My fusebox was always getting hot and lights getting dimmer etc..
and I had cleaned the contacts with wire brush and steel wool..
I used to turn the fuses around so they would self clean..
as You have found out, copper gets contaminated over time just from the air, water doesn't help..
I have since replaced the fusebox with a new one with push/pull out fuses.
CLR .. You can dip the ends of your cables,connectors in CLR too..
make them all like new... Great Tip...
cheers
LEE
Lee got any details of the fuse block you are using now. I've been looking for something suitable, preferably with blade fuses.
posted on June 23rd, 2013 at 09:42 PM
