80 amp fuse keeps blowing

[billythefist]

Hello guys, i'm pretty much a noobie to Bongo fury, so thanks in advance for taking the time to read this post.
My problem is that the 80 amp fuse under the bonnet lid keeps blowing. I'm a bit mechanically and electronically challenged so very basic layman's terms would be appreciated.
The last time it was used the fuse blew but upon replacement it started fine. Now 24 hrs later fuse has blown again but upon replacement it just blows.
When the van was driven last the heating was on full and not switched off at journeys end, would this be a factor on starting the engine?
Thanks again for listening......
Paul & Karen

Just noticed that the fuse diagram in the members area suggests that the main fuse is 100 amp and mine is only 80 amp. The white fuse under the bonnet on its own is this the main fuse????

[stilldesperate]

Paul, PM sent

[g8dhe]

Which fuse are you reffering to ? There isn't an 80 Amp fuse in the system!

I suspect somebody has replaced a fuse with the wrong value. As you mention below in the P.S..

The 100 Amp Main fuse is in the box of four fuses connected to the battery terminal itself.

I wonder if you have a leisure battery fitted with a charging relay, in which case there will be two extra fuses -usually in line type - close to each battery?

Also which type of vehicle do you have there are differences between the years and styles.

[stilldesperate]

Geoff,

I'm in Hull this morning, and going over (with meter in hand) to have a look.

I spoke to Paul, I'm picking up a couple of 100a fuses, but he says it's blowing when ignition is on, not even when cranking.

Any thought gratefully received, as I'v to start work in Leeds at 2

SD

[billythefist]

Hi Geoff,
Van is 1997 2500cc diesel automatic
I think now that the fuse is the wrong one.
This fuse however is sat on its own outside of any fuse box.
Thought this was the main fuse but not sure now.
There is a leisure battery on board but its not been used for a while.

[g8dhe]

Ah right, my guess would be that the Leisure Battery is flat and its possibly NOT a Voltage Sensitive Relay but switched from the Ancillary feed (ACC position), the Leisure battery is then trying to charge from the Main battery as soon as the Ignition is turned on and being flat is taking a LARGE current - but its a guess, given that we don't know for sure what that fuse feeds!! If my guess is right then normally a 30Amp fuse is fine once the L/ has a charge in it, but it would depend on what the charging relay and wiring is rated for! However if stilldesperate is visiting then I am sure he will be able to sort you out.

[haydn callow]

That would also be my guess......Discharged aux battery demanding toooooo many amps .....

[stilldesperate]

Thanks, Geoff / Haydn.

I got there and checked that first, but it's a winter-pack bongo, so not a leisure battery, as such.

Looks like it's the bus-bar shorting out, glow plugs look relatively new, and are the short ones.

Hopefully all sorted, (had to leave to go to work!).

SD

PS Haydn, told him to get an alarm

[billythefist]

A big thanks to you guys that replied to my post.
But got to give a special mention to (stilldesperate) Ian
This guy came to help me out in his own time and even bought some spare fuses for my use on the way.
What can i say but a huge huge Thank you Ian.

[mister munkey]

1st posted at 9am today, problem sorted by the Flying Squad in 12 hours!!!

You'll not find a finer bunch.

Fact.