Wiring loom and engine sensors

[bogster]

Hi,

Managed to fit my wiring loom however still have to hook up all of the components. Positioing and then fitting the fuse box and the relay switches was probably the hardest part of the job. I installed them pretty much where Dave advises however my relay switches are mounted below the scuttle hoop rather than on it. There is still room for the tunnel to be installed.

I've started to hook up the engine bay wiring. I have a 1 connection alternator and the Dax loom has two additional wires. Can I use one of them for the electric choke or do I need to hook the choke up elsewhere?

Also I'm starting to install the sensors on the engine. What type of thread compound do I use? I've noticed that when I unscrewed the blanking plugs from the engine that there was a red coloured sealant applied to them. Anyone know what it is? Can I use Ultimate blue for a thread sealant?.

As usual I can't help but put a couple of pics.

[soundslegal]

Hi Colin,

We are not using the Dax loom so can't really help on that front. I would expect there to be more than one connection to the alternator however, as there should be +12V plus a sense output which goes to the alternator warning light (in addition to which there will be a thick battery cable). However - I'm sure there are many other ways of doing this so I defer to someone who has a clue on that front!

As for thread compound - the important thing to remember is that the sensors work by supplying a variable resistance ground for the instruments. It get's the ground (0V) from the engine, which in turn should have an earth strap to the chassis. You must therefore be very cautious in using thread sealant as it will tend to prevent the sensor from getting an earth from the engine, as it will act as an insulator. The best thing to do if you are worried about leaks is to use a small amount of PTFE tape, as the threads will cut through this.

I'm not sure about using PTFE in a hot engine, however, it is what CAE (who make Smiths etc..) recommend.

If you have any problems with incorrect readings from your instruments, it will always tend to be an earth problem with the sensor!

hope this helps

Simon

[dave]

Hi Colin.
Your alternator does use the other two wires, look for the rectangular black rubber grommet on the rear outer edge of thealternator and pull it out to reveal two male spade terminals.

You will need to use an ignition switched live for the lectric cholke otherwise it will be permanently on as the alternator wires are permanent live.
Ditto to the PTFE (Plumbers tape). Just the ticket.

[bogster]

Appreciate the advice guys,

I went out and uncovered the black rubber cap to find the two connections, plugged in the two additional wires a treat.

Glad to know I could use PTFE as I had a couple of roll in the garage from recent plumbing job.

I'll wire my choke into the Batt terminal on my Dizzy, I think that is a live ignition conrtolled source...Maybe?