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328 Electrical Woes

Discussion in '308/328' started by guysimpson, Aug 3, 2010.

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  1. guysimpson

    guysimpson Rookie

    May 6, 2006
    17
    Los Gatos, CA
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    Guy Simpson
    #1 guysimpson, Aug 3, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    A few weeks ago I had problems starting my 1988 328GTS. The engine wouldn't turn over, and the ignition switch felt as if something had broken inside.

    After a flatbed home from the office, I examined the steering column and found that the rotary contact block on the back of the lock barrel had basically disintegrated, which I gather is a common failure. Sourcing a replacement part from Eurospares in the UK for a reasonable £32 + shipping, I thought I had got off lightly.

    After installing the new part, and double-checking the connections, the electrics were not functioning properly. Investigating further I came across the following...

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1175650&stc=1&d=1280811936

    Searching through the archives, it seems like my next call is the GT Car Parts in AZ to have the board rebuilt, unless anyone has any other suggestions.
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  2. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    Jan 21, 2004
    2,674
    Argent/Brasil
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    Guido
    #2 theunissenguido, Aug 3, 2010
    Look at...http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209843
    Have it since 1 year and everything works great...only once in a while a starting problem occurs that not is related to the fusebox. An extra starting relay is stoburn and dont work like it should.
    Placed an other in a friends car and he is very happy with it also.
    The electric basic board is 2 mm instead of 1.5 mm.

    Guido
     
  3. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #3 Paul_308, Aug 3, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Beautiful solution and nice workmanship, Richard. Don't think you will mind if I bringing your picture into this this thread. Although time consuming, it's a forever fix. As someone who has designed many boards, whoever is responsible for producing that circuit board used some terribly narrow traces.

    Besides 82Mondial and 86 328, how many models was that circuit board used in? Perhaps the potential numbers will stimulate someone into action. The pcb board itself is easy to duplicate using wider traces and leaving hole drilling to the purchaser.
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  4. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    Jan 21, 2004
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    #4 theunissenguido, Aug 4, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Paul,
    Wider traces are not needed. All wires can be soldered by using one or other direction.
    Everyone with some soldering skills can performce this board build.
    I did get the basic boards as sample for experiences.
    Those Bakeliet boards are not available like thus...I have to buy a big board from 2 to 3 meters and this Production Industrial plant will cut it to the right dimensions. It will leave me with 35 till 40 basic boards....so if there are others interested in buying a basic board to make there own fusebox...I can consider buying a 2x3 meter board.
    I have make meself a metal sheet with the needed holes for all connectors to use it as model...for those who are interested...I can make those holes before shipping them. The holes are in the right places for all relais, fuses and white connectors. For the 2 big yellow copper connectors I buyed a small 1 meter copper metal in the local metal store and cut it to the right dimensions.
    On 1 picture you can see the differences between old and new pin connectors. The female legs are from 2,5 mm2 copper wire and soldered together.
    I know..its a time consuming proces, but resolved all fusebox problems.
    Instead of the OM plastic cover I use an alu sheet to spread the heat from those relais.
    Guido
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  5. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #5 Paul_308, Aug 4, 2010
    Richard, the other thread has entirely too many subjects and this one has also gotten messy and I didn't fully understand the magnitude of what you have done. This really should be in a new thread to get the attention it deserves. If you don't mind I'll do that. Your board is great and shouldn't be hidden.
     
  6. guysimpson

    guysimpson Rookie

    May 6, 2006
    17
    Los Gatos, CA
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    Guy Simpson
    #6 guysimpson, Aug 5, 2010
    Thanks for all the suggestions...

    I have found that Rutlands have the replacement board for $692 which doesn't seem too bad. I don't know yet whether this includes all the components, or just the bare board with connectors.

    I will be at Concorso Italiano next week in Monterey (with the DB5 rather than the 328) and this seems like a good opportunity for further research.
     
  7. Robz328

    Robz328 F1 Veteran
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    Mar 16, 2009
    6,299
    ATL, Georgia
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    Rob Hemphill
    #7 Robz328, Aug 5, 2010
    I did this for my 328 and works well. I'm now investigating the connectors and the steering column switches for improvements.
     

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