I finally got my V8Vair ready for the road (still needs some cosmetic stuff) only to have an electrical fire. Background: The voltage meter was reading 16V so I replaced the voltage regulator. The gauge seemed fine at first at 13+ volts but later was down to 11v when running. Could the VR be hooked up backwards? I think the connector could go on either way. I put it on as it was at rest so it should be correct. I would think twisting it would be wrong.
The thin wire from the battery is burnt and the wire to the alternator went up in smoke. After moving the HOT (temp) wires around and reconnecting the bare burnt wire at the battery (melted the insulated screw connection off completely), I was able to make it home without more smoke. I started to unwrap the wires to see which ones were damaged but ran out of time. After reconnecting the small wire the engine starts and runs and the gauges work. I will need to replace the wires. Should I put a main system fuse or circuit breaker near the battery?
Damn - I was hoping to drive the car to the last show of the season tomorrow. Would have been nice after working on the Vair for almost 2 years. Not to be.
Larry