Just driven about 10 miles, with the main dipped lights on and there was this acrid smell in the car. It took me a while to remember and realise what was causing it. I had a similar experience 20 years ago with my Dolomite sprint when driving a long way and using full beam a lot. In that case it was the column main/dip switch that arc'd and melted causing very bad fumes and smoke:shock:.
Actually on the stag this time it seems to have been the rotary switch that turns on the main/side lights. It was getting warm and smelly. I had previously repaired the connections between spade terminals and rivet type internal connections by soldering them, as I had noticed a resistance problem with the switch. This time it would appear that the heat was caused by more oxidation/contact problems on the copper ring internal to the switch that does the actual connecting. It has little studs pressed into the ring that do the connecting. Sanding and soldering these studs across to the ring seemed to fix the problem.
Just thought I would pass on the tip if anyone has a similar problem.
I must be getting close now to soldering up all the copper to copper rivet type connections that eventually oxidise and become resistive on the Stag. The fuse box is an especially bad problem (copper rivet connection from back to front).
I am getting closer to having a reliable car now, but hang on, that would be boring!
Actually on the stag this time it seems to have been the rotary switch that turns on the main/side lights. It was getting warm and smelly. I had previously repaired the connections between spade terminals and rivet type internal connections by soldering them, as I had noticed a resistance problem with the switch. This time it would appear that the heat was caused by more oxidation/contact problems on the copper ring internal to the switch that does the actual connecting. It has little studs pressed into the ring that do the connecting. Sanding and soldering these studs across to the ring seemed to fix the problem.
Just thought I would pass on the tip if anyone has a similar problem.
I must be getting close now to soldering up all the copper to copper rivet type connections that eventually oxidise and become resistive on the Stag. The fuse box is an especially bad problem (copper rivet connection from back to front).
I am getting closer to having a reliable car now, but hang on, that would be boring!
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