'Yota problems

[ndoerr]

I bought a 1980 Toyota pickup from a co-worker, and everything went fine (except for redoing the interior, and other adjustments) but just recently i took out the alternator, put new brushes in it and cleaned the whole thing, now the damn thing keeps blowing out a fuse. I was wondering if this is a voltage regulator problem, or just some crazy wiring problem? All that blows out is my gauges, tail lights, and brake lights, so I kinda need to get it fixed before I get stopped. Also if anyone knows where you can find wiring diagrams for 1980 Toyotas, the help would be very appreciated, (any help at all).

Thanks,
Nate Doerr

[email protected]

[KimMG]

A Haynes manual should have a wiring diagram.
Repair manuals are available from many sources; ebay, half.com, amazon.com, parts stores, book stores, public libraries.
Make a copy of the wiring diagram (I like to make enlarged copies that are easier to read and make notes on). Use colored markers and trace all the problem circuits. See what everything has in common. If possible, unplug and/or isolate parts of the circuit in order to eliminate possible causes. For example: If the fuse blows with the tail lights off, then most likely the short is not after the switch that operates the tail lights. If it blows only when you press the brake pedal, then it is most likely the brake light switch or in the wiring following the brake light switch.

Blowing fuses usually means that there is a dead short in the circuit somewhere.

When you say "blows out my guages" do you mean the guages or the lights to the guages?

It is possible that while redoing your interior, you may have pinched a wire and it has just rubbed through now.

I found a dead short in my car caused by a repair I had made a year earlier. It took a year for the insulation to wear through and cause the short. Using a wiring diagram to map out my approach, it took me about 30 minutes to locate and fix the short I had caused a year earlier. I had pinched the wire when I replaced a trim piece.

Be methodical and patient, you'll find the problem.

[ndoerr]

Thanks alot I'll check it out.