Alfisti: I may have missed something here. In digest V10 #2690 Mario
Reali refers to a short finder. Has this been previously suggested?
This is an appropriate application for one. Sorry if this is a repeat.
Pat Braden wrote a good description of it's use in the Alfa Owner book in
the 90's. A flasher replaces the fuse and turns the circuit on and off
at a fixed, fairly fast rate. The circuit is off enough that it *should*
not overheat. The on/off cycle induces a magnetic field in the wire for
the circuit. A magnetic detector is then used to follow the wire to the
point where the magnetic field ceases. This is a point (notice the use
of the word 'a" meaning I have at times found multiple) where the wire is
shorted to ground. You now have a location to begin pulling back carpet
or dis-assembling things and effect a repair. Short finders are sold as a
kit with the flasher and detector. A usable device is available at
Sears, SGT25100. This is a great thing to find at a flea market or
garage sale. They have limited use unless you are in the trade but are
great to have. Otherwise I favor a pro quality tool from NAPA or Snap
On. You know why if you've ever seen an electrical fire. I just don't
trust cheap stuff when it comes to un fused electrical. So if you have a
choice of buying the tool for $40 or taking things apart and inspecting
them without, what do you do? Given the age of the vehicle it makes
sense to inspect all of the wiring closely. I figure my time at $25/hr
as a hobby mechanic. I can find and fix a host of problems in 1.6 hours.
And damn well should inspect some of the wiring in my GTV-6. Regards,
Scott ShureEllicott City, MD85 GTV-6 PS: If you think Alfa's have
challenging wiring, take a look at mid 80's Swedish cars. The insulation
just falls off wires. I have a '85 Saab Turbo to prove it.
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