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MG MGB Technical - smoking under the dash

car started, i moved about 100 feet and wisps of smoke rose up from under the dash. car (1980 B) stalled and would not start till i powered the auxillary fuel pump,
i was about 15 miles from home so i chanced it. took the cover off the steering column, exposing the connectors and wires. the white wire to the ignition switch was charr
ed thru the insulation. i can jury rig it to work but the charred wire ends at the fuel pump in the trunk. this tells me that the fuel pump and/or the capacitor caused the problem... what i need to know is where the white wire is routed to the trunk.
looks like the white wires in the engine bay are all ok.... where does the wire go after the connector under the dash
why didn't they fuse it
thanks
rocky
rocco grillo

Hi.

I have heard of the wire chafing near the pump and causing a short, but never of the pump itself (or the suppressor) going short, but I guess there is a first time for everything.

I guess that the pump and the ignition feed were not fused as a 'dodgy' fuse or fuseholder could result in loss of power at a critical moment.

Don
Don

can't tell if chafing was the cause as the wire insulation is completely burnt ... do you know where the inertia switch is located
tnx
rocky
rocco grillo

Hi--------
Your fuel pump inertia switch is located under the fascia(dash) on the left hand side. To reset it, push the plunger into the switch body and you are done. you have two relays on the right side of the inner fender well that might be a problem and if you need to replace them, check the thw wiring on the relay itself and they can be got at Radio Shack. Also, check your Transmission control spark advance micro-switch and solenoid valve which are located back of your booster for your brakes and to the right of your fuel filter. Actually, I done away with it and taped the wire up and run straight vacuum on mine.
MY BEST
Dale
Dale & Barb Mast

I had wires chafing against the steering wheel column support bracket (sharp edge). Wore right thru the insulation.
Sam

This thread was discussed between 20/06/2005 and 22/06/2005

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