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MG TD TF 1500 - Wire gauges?

Hi all, back from vacation, on to wiring. To wit, can anyone advise why the main #9 hot wire from fuse box to coil is only 18 gauge? Seems rather skimpy compared to the rest of the wires in my new harness (i.e. fuel pump, etc.). (Fyi, this is the one I melted a month ago if you were reading back then. I'm replacing it now.)
Thanks,
Ed
efh Haskell

Hi Ed,
#18 wire will easily handle 2.5 to 3.2+ amps continually, depending upon what load factor is used. Should handle the load, but it does seem like it might be a bit small.
Al
A W Parker

Al, you seem knowledgable so I'll ask if changing it to 16 or 14 gauge would be ok? Would the extra resistance rob the coil of what it needs to work properly?
efh Haskell

Hi Ed,
No harm in that at all, the larger dia. wires (lower #) have less resistance and will have less voltage drop from terminal to terminal, but it's so little with any of them you may not be able to measure it, particularly in such a short distance. I put away my chart abt 2 hrs ago or could tell you just how many ohms difference. I'll dig up the info if anyone's interested.
Al
A W Parker

Welcome back Ed, and good luck with the wiring this go around. I trust that the visit with your son went very well.

Cheers -- John
John Brickell

Thanks Al & John,
We were able to see our son get married in his Class A's repleate with bow tie and combat ribbons. He fought it to the end, but she won.
Ed
efh Haskell

Funny isn't it how our young men can go in and get Osama Bin Laden but when the little Lady crooks her finger, it's yes, Mam. LOL.

Congat's to your son, Ed, may his married life be long and happy and blessed with lovely children.
Cheers,
Bob
Bob Jeffers

This thread was discussed on 10/05/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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