[1966_L78]

I use to have turn signals, but last year I thought I smelled smoke, and the flasher was very hot... I unplugged the flasher unit...

Brake lights, dash lights, headlights, running lights, tail lights, backup lights all work okay... I recall all the blinkers working too...

I tried to hook them back up later, and they work, but I am worried that I will have the same problem, but worse...

I think some of the problem might be the switch at the column... its a 1966 Chevelle with a tilt column, so the switch is under the dash. It seems to work, but some times they are hard to shut off (mis adjustment and non-functioning cancelling cam). I thought of getting one of those loud audible flashers so I could here it over the exhaust and stereo, but I thought it might be too loud...

How would I go about checking the system? Should I disconnect all the turn signals and test them one-by-one?

I guess I also need one of those Multi meters (I only have a test light and a voltage guage)...


Also, how do I determine what size wire I need for a particular circuit (based on amps, correct?). Is there a chart around for different amperages and wire lengths so I can size the wires properly?

Thanks,
Tony

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Quik66.jpg
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/eng7.jpg

 

[John_Muha]

It's a possibility that the hot can problem was the flasher can itself. Normally the fuse would blow if there is a problem. The flasher may be worn and pitted. I'm just speculating. Haven't run across a flasher that got hot. Since it does concern you, a thought is to add another fuse in-line on the flasher input wire. Perhaps around 10 amp instead of the 20 that's in the fuse panel. Just a little extra safety.

Haven't had much luck with those extra loud flashers. They seem to stop flashing on me. Perhaps not enough current draw or something. Wish I could find that works well. Be better for me to hear in heavy traffic.

If the turn signals are working now, I'd just put in a new flasher (maybe the extra fuse), clean up the bulb sockets, and put in new bulbs. Go from there.

I don't have a chart handy for the smaller wire gages. Maybe someone else does.

 

[1966_L78]

Thanks John,

I'll try to pick up a new flasher unit this weekend...

 

[1966_L78]

Well, I diagnosed the problem...

It turns out when I was assembling everything (including an optional four-way flasher with the extra wires), I accidently pinched the Purple wire that runs between the column and the flasher... It wasn't through the insulation, but I guess enough that it would cause the flasher/wires to heat up...

I pinched it under the steering column bracket, so I really had that thing tightened pretty good...

Thanks...

------------------
"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Quik66.jpg
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/eng7.jpg