Blown Fuses, Cause?

[AceDeuce]

This morning while moving snow my BX died. I could get it to restart but it would barely idle, as if it was being starved, then it would die again. I noticed the fuel pump wasn't "ticking" like it usually does with the key in the "on" position and checked the fuse. Sure enough, it was blown. After inspecting all the fuses, I found another one blown, this one for the lights. Replaced them and everything appears to be working again. The question is, why? In 11 years, I've never had a blown fuse, now two at one time. Makes me wonder what the root causes might be. Any ideas?

 

[DABSGT]

After 11 years it could just be age.

 

[davesl708]

Could be a flux (vibration over a long time has made fuses fail. Not common but does happen) but as a precaution I would ohm the positive wires to the frame and test for a short. On my BX I had a short in the wire bundle where it passed through the firewall. Short interfered with lights and fuel solenoid. Would intermittently blow fuses.

 

[AceDeuce]

Thanks. It wouldn't surprise me if there was a short given how much this machine vibrates.

 

[The Fred]

Check for overvoltage of the alternator.

Good luck, Fred

 

[Soundguy]

reseat all the fuses. could be corrosion in the holders, makes hot spots then poof.. blown fuses..

 

[davesl708]

When checking the fuse add some dielectric grease to the tabs. Goes along way in keeping water out and corrosion in check.

 

[NewfieDan]

What were you moving the snow with? Was it the loader, or a blower? How deep was the snow? Could be some moisture from melted snow causing a temporary short.

Like Dave said, use some dielectric grease. It helps keep out moisture.

 

[Farmall45b]

Take a close look at the fuse element. Did it melt from a thermal overload due to an over current situation? Or did the fuse element fatigue and break? If the fuse failed do to a thermal/over current condition, look at all the wiring and devices related to that particular fused circuit.