1984 Conversion 2.8 L

[RonD]

Where was the smoke show?
Engine bay or cab?

There are two Orange fusible links, or just one?

Was ignition switch on or off?

 

[franklin2]

Ron, this short in his wiring started when he pulled the computer wiring out. So it's something related to that.

The only advise I can give to the poster is to retrace your steps, everything you touched. That is what I suggested in my previous post. I pulled the computer on my 1984 Bronco and did not have any problems. I did not cut the wires at the computer, the firewall has a large rubber boot, the computer plug will fit through the firewall.

Since you cut the wires, like I said before there where some hot wires under the dash that fed the computer. I would check these over very carefully. I believe they are mostly red wires.

 

[franklin2]

Correction: There are those red power wires going to a relay and the computer under the dash. I DID have to cut those few power wires and carefully tape them. All the other wires just went out under the hood to sensors and solenoids and all that came out with the computer.

 

[Sea'n]

Where was the smoke show?
Engine bay or cab?

There are two Orange fusible links, or just one?

Was ignition switch on or off?

In both of these photos there appear to be what may be fusible links. I hooked up the battery and there was a pop followed by a good deal of smoke. I could only feel that the Orange wire going to the ignition relay was very hot. I did not see any damaged wires.

 

[Sea'n]

What is the function of the (relay?) under the solenoid?

 

[franklin2]

What is the function of the (relay?) under the solenoid?

It might be the relay for the choke. These engines had full 12 volt electric chokes on them, and they were controlled by the computer. Of course the computer can't handle the current of the choke, so they used a relay.

My relay had burnt out long before I got the BII, and someone had re-wired the choke to the s terminal of the alternator. Even though that is only 7v, it seemed to work ok. I have since gone to a manual choke system.

 

[Sea'n]

Where was the smoke show?
Engine bay or cab?

There are two Orange fusible links, or just one?

Was ignition switch on or off?

The key was off. I'm going to take a look inside the truck where the computer was.

 

[Sea'n]

Can you take a pic of the solenoid and post it here?

 

[Sea'n]

It might be the relay for the choke. These engines had full 12 volt electric chokes on them, and they were controlled by the computer. Of course the computer can't handle the current of the choke, so they used a relay.

My relay had burnt out long before I got the BII, and someone had re-wired the choke to the s terminal of the alternator. Even though that is only 7v, it seemed to work ok. I have since gone to a manual choke system.

So I can remove that. Now I don't have to worry about where those wires go. My Choke is Vacuum controlled now. One less problem!

 

[AndyB.]

I’m not sure how much it matters, but the battery and starter connections on the relay are reversed.

 

[RonD]

Wouldn't matter unless cables didn't reach posts easily when reversed

The relays function is to connect the two larger posts together, to pass the high AMPs required by starter motor
So which post has large battery positive cable and starter cable wouldn't matter

But the post with the battery positive cable IS the 12volt distribution point for the whole vehicle, that matters

 

[AndyB.]

Some relays are made with a diode to protect the ECU, since this is an aftermarket one, there’s no way to tell if it has one.

 

[RonD]

Yes, but a Diode is only used on the activation coil, in this case the "S" post, since it can only be hooked up one way, "S" as positive, it can't be reversed easily, so there would be no reason for diode protection

 

[Sea'n]

I’m not sure how much it matters, but the battery and starter connections on the relay are reversed.

That's the way it came Brand New. I have never changed the relay. It's interesting to see that though. Maybe it would be a good idea to replace the relay and follow that.

 

[franklin2]

I would not replace the relay just to replace it. The new ones made in China have a high failure rate. Most of them now are made in China.