1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Engine Fuse blowing

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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 04:02 AM
  #1  
mcyrx7's Avatar
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Smile Engine Fuse blowing

Hi all, the problem I'm about to describe sounds like a short somewhere to me and I just wanted to know if it is a common problem in the series 3 RX7.
Car sometimes starts and runs for a while then stalls and I later find the engine fuse has blown then I replaced the fuse twice and fuse blows again, this happened a few weeks ago.
The other day I drove somewhere without a problem then yesterday the same problem occured.
I'm really stuck, can someone help me.

Cheers
Michael
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 08:11 AM
  #2  
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Check the fusible links. Look around all the wires for it. I had the exact same issue(same fuse and all). My problem was that one of the wires we rubbing against a screw which made a TINY slice in the wire. Whenever I hit a bump, the fuse would pop(in the fuse box, not the fusible link). Replace the fuse you blew, then bump some of the wires with something(simulating a bump in the road), if you pop the fuse again then you know where it is. I happened to notice mine because we were working on it at night and my friend saw the spark. I verified it by tapping the wires. Ever since, no issue, solved my problem.
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ChunkyMonkey
My problem was that one of the wires we rubbing against a screw which made a TINY slice in the wire.
That's probably it. I blew one this weekend. As far as I can tell, it was because the wire coming from the carb vent solenoid had a crack in the insulation. When I moved a wire to look at a vacuum hose while the engine was running, I saw a spark and then the engine died. After that, it cranked, fired off, but died as soon as I released the key. I looked at the fuses, and the engine fuse was blown. I fixed the problem with that wire and then went through the whole engine harness. I had to fix a couple others too. These harnesses are old, and the wiring gets brittle.
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 12:47 PM
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premix, for f's sake
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if i could get a hold of enough spools of wire(with out braking bank) i would like to rewire my entire car, save me the hassle of 25 year old wiring(and electronics) . ive pulled apart sections of the engines harness and it looks like a child did the wiring. ive found spots where 2 wires come together, and are literally just twisted and wrapped in tape without any solder. i can only assume there are other similar "connections" hidden through out the car.
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Old Dec 21, 2006 | 03:06 AM
  #5  
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Smile Engine fuse

Thanks for that guys, the fusible links, are they the big relay looking units that are just under the bonnet on the firewall in the passengers side.

Cheers
Michael
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Old Dec 21, 2006 | 03:45 AM
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I think so, since your in Australia it would be on the other side?
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Old Dec 22, 2006 | 02:03 PM
  #7  
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Smile Fusible Links

Silly question but where are the fusible links ans what do they look like, I'm down here in Australia so the drivers side is on the right if you're referring to which side they are on.

Cheers
Michael
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Old Dec 22, 2006 | 02:41 PM
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The fusible liks are on the driver side of the strut tower. There ae three of them. If you have a manual it will tell you where they are.
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Old Dec 22, 2006 | 05:09 PM
  #9  
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Smile Engine Fuse

Me again, turned the key to the on position so you can hear the fuel pump running, wiggled all the wires under the bonnet so try to get the fuse to blow to try and trace where the short might be but can't see any worn wire insulation and fuse won't blow. Does the car need to be actually running as I thought with the ignition on the power would still be running through.
Could there be any of the underdash wiring casuing a problem or is it more likely under the bonnet.

Cheers
Michael
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Old Dec 22, 2006 | 06:59 PM
  #10  
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Smile Engine Fuse

Could anyone tell what exactly is on the engine fuse, I'm pulling my hair out here.

Regards
Michael
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Old Dec 22, 2006 | 09:28 PM
  #11  
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I can't seem to find any faulty wiring, not saying it's not there hoever I tried a 20amp fuse and it runs OK. Am I just masking a potential bigger problem. It's meant to run a 15amp fuse.

Cheers
Michael
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