My 6.2 Died, And Came Back To Life...

[uglytruk]

It's a beat up '84 6.2 from Eugene Oregon. The underhood wiring is a mess, but the fast idle does work!

Anyways, I was plowing snow on my property several days ago, and I stopped to ponder my next move. The fan ususally only works on high, but all of a sudden came on medium, a light on the dash flashed on, and it died!

There was no nothin! ZERO. I sat there, tried the key a few times, and after a few seconds, all was back to normal. It started up as if nothing ever happened!

I've got two new batteries, new cables, all connections tite and clean, including grounds and at starter. It would seem to me like a breaker tripped, and cooled and re-energized.

At the time, there were no UFO"s, that I noticed!!! Seriously, head lite were on, fan, etc cause it's cold, around 20f.

I know the wirings junk, but I used it for several hours yesteday plowing snow, and it's fine. Any ideas?

BTW, I made some videos immediately after the episode... Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-5DZ-v_dhs&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXQ2Waqmf8s&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNm4j_t7Qxk&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-5MoJPL4TU&feature=channel

 

[uglytruk]

Well, it did it again, very similar circumstances.

I was plowing, all lites on, full heater fan, wipers, flashers, and it just died! Only the Quartz clock was working.

A couple of times in the ensuing 30 seconds, the wipers came back to life for a split second. Then like magic, after maybe a minute, all systems started up, she restarted, and didn't do it again in the several hours that I plowed.

I'm sure it's a breaker tripping, but I didn't know there was one! Luckily I was on a quiet side street. What the heck is going on???

 

[diaric]

there should only be one breaker. on the firewall, rectangular, wire on each side, power comes up from starter through fusible link. when it dies, try jumping it.

 

[uglytruk]

Ah HA! Always wondered what that thing was. It's obvious that's the prob, cause it only happens when everything's on

 

[imiceman44]

Ah HA! Always wondered what that thing was. It's obvious that's the prob, cause it only happens when everything's on

That is to protect your wiring, it's a thermal so it will take the heat for a little while but if you keep at it for a long time it will need a break
How about you let off some of the stuff, maybe run your heater at low speed which actually does better, and same with the wipers, you probably are going slow enough that slow speed wipers will be enough.
And if you have a radio, don't use it

 

[uglytruk]

Hi Iceman... the heater mostly only works on hi, medium has a loose wire, I'll repair when I get into a heated shop. It's annoying to have the blower roaring always. Medium comes and goes, obviuosly a BIG drain. The wipers are on lo, intermittent doesn't work. No radio, I have a boom box... Maybe I'll get a new braeker, and the wiring is a mess... But I had other priorities, like the plow, getting it to pass inspection. Still needs 4 ball joints, RR axle seal... Pass window non op, tailgate window won't go up... Etc...

 

[imiceman44]

Well these breakers could deteriorate and start opening too soon if they keep getting hammered but I doubt a new one will last too long before it starts doing the same, the load you are putting on it is a little more than it was designed for.
Does the plow use any electric for controls or is it hydraulic? Assuming if hydraulic, it's electric over hydraulic.

 

[uglytruk]

100% hydraulic plow. I should put some relays in, and the headlites will be 1st. I even have the kit for my Corvair. Gets the load off the in dash swithch