Blew a fuse
 

Hi,
Following driving around for a couple of hundred miles during International Model A Ford Day at the New England Meet this weekend, I gave a healthy Ahoogah, drove ten miles to a ferry, turned the battery switch off as is my custom (Hot negative side) and then, upon leaving the ferry I tried to give a quick thank you toot to the ferryman and heard silence. I tried a few more times, pulled over, quickly changed the fuse at the starter which looked good then did a quick voltage test of fuse, terminal box, both sides, and all read 6 volts. I then examined my alternator to horn fuse which was popped. I replaced it with another 30 amp in line fuse.

There were no lights on while aboard the ferry, and I saw no exposed wires or anything.
I drove an additional sixty miles, tooting from time to time to insure the fuse was still good and it was. I will do a minute inspection of the wires tomorrow.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

Sometimes if the glass fuses get hot the solder will melt in the ends and cause a false open. If the filament isn't opened thats likely what happened.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

FWIW:

Lots of failures and sad stories have been reported with both Model A and Model T starter mounted fuse holders exposed to the elements on highways.

If you call Electrical Engineer, Mr. John F. Regan, President of Fun Projects, Inc. at (630) 584-1471, he has heard of many different cases where Model A's and Model T's were towed home after these starter mounted devices failed for several different reasons.

He sells a reliable, sealed fused holder listed below if interested:

AFK-1 Model A Fuse Kit $7.00

One can paint it black to blend in if desired.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

The fuse in question is the in line one between the alternator and the horn. The "starter mounted" fuse was OK.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

There may be a lesson in this: "DON'T ALWAYS GO AROUND TOOTIN' YO' OWN HORN"!
SA Bill W.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

Did you burn your lips?

Re: Blew a fuse
 

Some fuse holders at the starter were and are known for developing poorly conducting, loose connections between the metal fuse holder, (one or both sides of fuse), and the metal base bolted to the starter.

There loose connections sometimes developed over time with engine vibrations.

When such a starter mounted fuse holder's connection gets loose and causes an intermittent flow of current now and then, what can happen to the remainder of the electrical system and other in-line fuses?

Re: Blew a fuse
 

Often referred to as VOLTAGE "SPIKES". They can cause puzzling results, at times.
Bill W.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

x 2

Re: Blew a fuse
 

Most auto part stores or RV supply will have weather protected fuses. Should be on the shelf. I use the type that accepts ATC fuses.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

When I asked Mr. Regan about the sealed fuse holder that he sold, he told me many Model A owners were buying the starter mounted fuses.

He mentioned a few experiences about a Club where Model A's and Model T's toured together.

In about 2012, I saw where someone echoed his thoughts and posted on a Model T Forum something like:

"There is a new fuse kit sold for the Model A that goes in the wire after the starter for the lights, ignition etc.

I have seen so many give trouble on tours that we sometimes joke about Model A drivers not being able to keep up with the Model T Fords."

No matter what side of the fence one chooses, one (1) thing is certain:

Model A and Model T Forum members feel free to express their personal opinions.

Re: Blew a fuse
 

I too have left comments re: the inadequacy of starter mounted fuses and the issues involved (particularly to the charging system). I replied as solutions are typically had locally. I have some of the weather proof holders in the shop and John's price is quite ok.
Shipping anymore is the bull in the China shop.
I use an ATC fuse in a weather resistant case. For the very reasons you cite.