'89 TR fuse box, should I upgrade or not?? | FerrariChat
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'89 TR fuse box, should I upgrade or not??

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by 1TRICK6, Jul 4, 2015.

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  1. 1TRICK6

    1TRICK6 Karting

    Aug 28, 2014
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    #1 1TRICK6, Jul 4, 2015
    I read a few post on Dave Helm's fuse box upgrade. Left a message for him early yesterday to get some more info but didn't get a return call. I checked a few of the white connectors in the fuse box and they all look brand new still. Will be checking the others this weekend but do I really need to upgrade?

    I'm 10 days into the ownership of a 89 TR with less than 14k miles. It was only driven 1k miles in pass 10 years.

    No service records at all, it hasn't even had the seat belt recall done yet, which I plan to do as soon the F-dealer gets the parts in.

    Any suggestions I should do or check besides looking for a place to take care of the 30k service.

    Thanks,
    Jim
     
  2. Turbopanzer

    Turbopanzer F1 World Champ

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    #2 Turbopanzer, Jul 4, 2015
    Yes.....Not unless you want to watch your investment go up in smoke. It isn't a question of if I need to but more of when. The current levels are high in a TR and it isn't wise to let it go to long.
     
  3. 302Tim

    302Tim Formula 3

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    #3 302Tim, Jul 4, 2015
    If yours it still original it will eventually fail. The water fans, fuel pumps and A.C. motor and fan all have electric motors that become less effective over time and require more amperage to operate--the higher draw causes more heat which the fuse panel was not designed to handle. So failure is very likely. Replacing the fuse panel doesn't help the problem--you'd be better off changing all the electric motors. There are several ways to deal with this issue, the most popular being the Dave Helms upgrade. There are other options available but regardless, it's something you'd be better off addressing sooner rather than (stranded) later.
     
  4. 1TRICK6

    1TRICK6 Karting

    Aug 28, 2014
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    #4 1TRICK6, Jul 4, 2015
    Pending getting a response from Dave Helms, do I pull the whole fuse box out? Any tips on removal. When I get the upgrade, is it simply a plug-play or will there be some soldering or extra connections involved or anything to watch out for?
     
  5. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
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    #5 Melvok, Jul 5, 2015
    " I'm 10 days into the ownership of a 89 TR with less than 14k miles. It was only driven 1k miles in pass 10 years. "

    I would drive one or two years ... without any fear imo ! It has no record of many km's yet !
     
  6. leslie_choo

    leslie_choo Formula Junior

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    #6 leslie_choo, Jul 5, 2015
    I have been driving my 91 Testarossa with original fuel box and the car is running well. The car is very sensitive so pls do not mess with the wiring . My suggestion is if it works don't change


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Steve Magnusson, Jul 5, 2015
    What's the mileage on your TR? (The I^2*R heating damage at the white connectors tends to be a time cumulative issue.)
     
  8. leslie_choo

    leslie_choo Formula Junior

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    #8 leslie_choo, Jul 5, 2015

    About 30,000 Km.
     
  9. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 Steve Magnusson, Jul 5, 2015
    Your honeymoon period might be nearing its end (you might want to unplug and visually inspect the four white horizontal connectors at the bottom of the fuse-relay panel -- the evidence of over-heating can't been seen when the connectors are plugged in). Hope you continue to have no problems, but that's not the typical history reported here...
     
  10. leslie_choo

    leslie_choo Formula Junior

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    #10 leslie_choo, Jul 5, 2015

    Sure I will check... And hope it's still ok .. Thanks for the info
     
  11. lear60man

    lear60man Formula 3

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    #11 lear60man, Jul 5, 2015
    Jim, I did the Dave Helms upgrade a few years back. Super easy process. Removal of the fuse box is: dissconnect the white connectors, a couple of bolts and maybe one or two other connectors. Its a 5 minute job. Just make sure to disconnect the battery first.

    Send it off and Dave does his thing in a day or two. Sends it back with super easy instal instructions. I took my time and it was a 1.5 hour process.

    I leave the fuse box panel door open all the time. In my mind it helps keep things cooler in there instead of trapping any heat.

    I changed mine out around 12,000 miles and there was just a hint of discoloration around the white connectors, specifically where the radiator fans get power.
     
  12. 1TRICK6

    1TRICK6 Karting

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    #12 1TRICK6, Jul 5, 2015
    Thanks for all the advice, looks like the consensus is to upgrade earlier than later, before something does happens.
    I'll check the other white connectors this week.
     
  13. Bradwilliams

    Bradwilliams F1 Veteran
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    #13 Bradwilliams, Jul 5, 2015
    YES, Dave Helms will treat you right. You'll be glad you did it later
     
  14. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

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    #14 Philwozza, Jul 6, 2015
    I upgraded my own box. All that was needed was a little soldering and wire crimping skills.

    P
     
  15. 88Testarossa

    88Testarossa Formula 3

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    #15 88Testarossa, Jul 11, 2015
    Dave did mine, quick turnaround. I believe in PM. Worth every penny for peace of mind


    Sent via itty bitty electrons
     
  16. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
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    #16 sparta49, Jul 12, 2015
    I had mine done. Worth every penny.
     
  17. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

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    #17 Mr.Chairman, Jul 12, 2015
    It's an absolute must. Get her done. Even better to do it when your box and white connectors are in perfect condition. Do it earlier vs later.

    R
     
  18. tf308

    tf308 Formula 3

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    #18 tf308, Jul 12, 2015
    Should you address the issue....yes

    How you go about it is your next choice. There is more than one solution depending on your level of skill.
     
  19. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
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    #19 Melvok, Jul 12, 2015
    Indeed ! Look at Phil's comment !


     
  20. Turbopanzer

    Turbopanzer F1 World Champ

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    #20 Turbopanzer, Jul 12, 2015
    With all due respect Mel........some people should not be allowed to use tools. My late father being one of them! :D
     
  21. UpNorth

    UpNorth Formula 3
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    #21 UpNorth, Jul 13, 2015
    Hey! maybe we are brothers! :D :D
     
  22. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
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    #22 Melvok, Jul 13, 2015
    Give that poor man a chance .... (but NOT on YOUR car .... :D )
     

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