Fuse blows even when key off
 

I was driving a 1929 Model A when the engine just stopped running. Put a new fuse to the starter, (it was blown) car started and started running again. For about 30 feet. Blew again. Now, even if I set a fuse on top of the connectors it explodes. Any thoughts? Thank you!

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Go down a couple of posts. Tom Endy has a great pdf in that post that will guide you.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Thanks so much. I did exactly as the PDF said, and everything was fine until I added the light bail. Adding the light bail blew the fuse. When I disconnected the light bail and put in a new fuse it’s still blew. So I’m wondering if there’s an issue with the cutout or the generator itself? Any thoughts? Is there a way to test?

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Did you separate the bail? Like Tom mentioned it could be full of oil and shorting out in there.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Yep. Separated it and cleaned it it. It did start for about 5 seconds after that before it blew. But then I disconnected the bail and a new fuse blew right when I put it in.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Disconnect the wiring to the headlights and try the fuse again. FWIW
Paul in CT

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Ok. It’s magic. I reconnected everything and remembered it happened just after I was breaking. My friend who i am getting the car from mentioned he has replaced the brake switch several times. He looked underneath the car and the switch was open when it should have been closed. Disconnected the switch and bingo. Starts and stays lit. Any solutions the the continuing brake switch saga? Anyway, thanks SO MUCH for your help!

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

The brake switch has power to it at all times that comes from the light switch bail. When you step on the brake, the power gets extended from the switch to the brake light in the tail light assembly. So, if it blows only when you step on the brake, then the output of the switch (the green wire that goes to the stop light is shorted somehow. It could be that the switch post itself is grounded, the green wire leading to the stop light could be frayed and grounded, or the stop light socket in the tail light assembly could be shorted to ground. Also, the switches themselves aren't foolproof. The short could be in the switch itself.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Keep in mind that on the Model A the ignition switch only turns on the ignition, and only the power to the points at that. Everything else will have power when the battery is connected.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Most likely it has a bad repro brake switch that grounds out. Disconnect both brake switch wires then connect an ohm meter from each terminal to ground and try the switch both off and on to see if either terminal connects with ground. If it does then you can take it apart and correct the problem.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

mine was blowing because under the speedo amp fuel gauge housing a wire was just barely touching the rear of the tank area, also refreshed the fuse link on starter with a quality made one.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Thanks, all. I may have some other issues, but for now I replaced the brake switch and no longer have the short.

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Thanks for the update.
Paul in CT

Re: Fuse blows even when key off
 

Now take the switch apart and find the rest of the story. It is a simple thing, contacts and insulation to isolate a wire that is hot.

Troubleshooting is finding the location,cause and correction using a schematic and logic with simple tools like a test light. This is just the beginning, prepare for the future.