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carb 308 fuse problem?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by carb308vt, Sep 7, 2005.

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  1. carb308vt

    carb308vt Karting

    Apr 12, 2005
    122
    NYC/Vermont
    Full Name:
    Craig M
    #1 carb308vt, Sep 7, 2005
    I have a 78 308 gts with some recent electrical problems. I was driving recently and the G-light came on, windows stopped working as did turn signals and car appeared to be overheating. Since i just replaced the water pump and the belts looked fine, I popped the fuse panel-shuffled some fuses around-none appeared to have blown, and car was fine. A week later fuel pump is not working-or fans-on start up-so car won't start. I again removed the fuse for the fuel pump-just jiggling it a bit-and fuel pump starts back up. this is happening almost every other time I use the car. Does anybody have a clue what's going on? Thanks
     
  2. tuttebenne

    tuttebenne F1 Rookie

    Mar 26, 2003
    3,218
    Bay Shore, NY
    Full Name:
    Andy
    #2 tuttebenne, Sep 7, 2005
    There are quite a few threads in the archive about this. The most likely suspect is loosening of the rivets that hold the fuse box buss bars together. The easiest fix is to remove the fuse boxes and to solder the rivets to the buss bars.
     
  3. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 3, 2002
    6,662
    Toronto / SoCal
    Full Name:
    Rob C.
    #3 Nuvolari, Sep 7, 2005
    Your fuse blocks appear to be bad; a common problem. Please search 'Fuse blocks' and you will find tons of information. Replace the crap OEM ones with the NAPA replacement. Save yourself about $500 bucks and get a much better than OEM solution.

    Also, fill out your profile. It is no fun giving advice to total strangers
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #4 f355spider, Sep 7, 2005
    I "quick and dirty" fix is as follows: (and may get you by for a while)

    1) Remove all fuses

    2) Clean all terminals with a Scotchbrite pad

    3) Bend terminals inward slightly to hold fuses tighter

    4) Replace all fuses with new ones. If possible, try and find the Buse brand glass versions with stainless steel ends. They have been discountinued for a couple years, but a recent visit to a few auto parts stores shows them still available in some stores with slow sales..but it may take visits to 5 or 6 stores to get them all in the various amperages.

    5) You might remove the fuse panels and check the backs of them for failing connector rivets...soldering them may help.

    6) Or just screw all this work, and buy "birdman"'s replacement fuse panels (a great price) and fix this once and for all.

    I had a 78 308 GTS, that never had problems, and by doing steps 1-4, kept me from having problems for the 3 years I had my car. If your fuse panels show melting and other issues, I would ditch them and get new.
     
  5. carb308vt

    carb308vt Karting

    Apr 12, 2005
    122
    NYC/Vermont
    Full Name:
    Craig M
    #5 carb308vt, Sep 7, 2005
    thanks guys. i just went out to the car and it won't start. I'll try your suggestions. cheers
     
  6. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,655
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #6 yelcab, Sep 7, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. gatorpuff

    gatorpuff Rookie

    Aug 25, 2006
    1
    St. Petersburg
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #7 gatorpuff, Aug 25, 2006
    This will be my second time replacing my fuse panels, first time was in 1987, on my Euro Spec 78 308 GTS (22799). What is the NAPA part number and are there any significant challenges to the swap? Thanks! Jeff
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,406
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #8 BigTex, Aug 25, 2006
    Member Birdman has reconstructed the replacements using glass barrel USA fuses...

    TRutlands and Ricambi USA have the OEM design, which are expensive and buy you 20 more years, before melting again!

    In defense of the original design, it is actually the amp current of failing components, commonly fuel pump or window or cooling fan motors, that melt the nylon base.....

    I have used OEM on my cars and have had no further problems... Welcome to the site...
     
  9. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #9 Perfusion, Aug 25, 2006
    Forget NAPA - get the Birdman blocks and be done with it. www.birdmanferrari.com

    It'll be the best money you ever spend on your '78 - guaranteed.
     
  10. EuroDino

    EuroDino Formula Junior

    Dec 5, 2004
    328
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joseph Fischetti
    #10 EuroDino, Aug 25, 2006

    What he said....
     
  11. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2004
    2,150
    way north california
    Full Name:
    chris morse
    #11 chrismorse, Aug 25, 2006
    I do not know what NAPA has available, or what it takes to make them work . The Birdman solution is the simple fix and it helps support a helpfull member. If you time is worth more than a few bucks an hour, buy Birdmans boxes and don't worry.

    As a precautionary step, it might be worth while to do all of the relays as well. They are 20 - 30 years old. Do it ahead of time and you may avoid an unexpected roadside stop.

    regards,
    chris
     

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