Date:         Tue, 24 Dec 2002 13:09:38 -0800
Reply-To:     Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: WARNING: Lighting upgrade hazard
Comments: To: Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <OE50jWPHNHN46ROfPom000089dd@hotmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Sometimes triple A will let you combine two 100 mile tows, and even if they
don't you can have them tow it half way.  Park it overnight in some nice gas
station, and finish the job the next day.

Mike

On 12/23/02 10:18 PM, "Brent Christensen" <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Ladies & Gents:
>
> I feel compelled to warn everyone about my recent disaster (this morning).
> Many of us have spent a great deal of time discussing the various methods and
> techniques to upgrade our lighting systems; most recently the SA double-light
> systems using H4 bulbs.   Those of us involved in the discussion talked a lot
> about the modifications made between the battery and the lights, including
> relays, fuses, wire gauge, etc.
>
> Unfortunately, I (and others, I fear) overlooked the wiring between the
> alternator and the battery.  Well, today I found out how disastrous this
> oversight can be.   I have run my 80w/100w lights for months with no problems,
> including running them along with the main heater, horn, windshield wipers,
> and 150w subwoofer amp.  This morning, however, I was in a situation that
> called for using the rear (auxilliary) heater.  This combined with the front
> heater and the side mirror defrosters appears to have exceeded the capacity of
> the stock wiring.
>
> To make a long story short, my engine wiring harness is cooked, and it took
> with it several cooling system lines, other electrical wires, and a couple of
> vacuum hoses.  Thank God no fuel injection lines were burned.
>
> For the gory details, see
> http://members.cox.net/bpchristensen/Vanagon/Fried_Wire/Index.htm
>
>
> Brent Christensen
> '89 GL Syncro Westy
> Santa Barbara, CA
>