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Learning Electrics
speedyxjs - 5/1/08 at 02:18 PM

What is the best book to read about car electrics. I only know the basics and ideally would like to understand more before i progress much further.

Jasper - 5/1/08 at 04:33 PM

I'd just forget it now and don't even try, I've wired up two cars now and I still don't understand it

coozer - 5/1/08 at 04:39 PM

I learn't a lot about my donor loom by hanging it on the garage wall following the diagrams in the manual and stripping off all the none essential stuff.

speedyxjs - 5/1/08 at 04:49 PM

quote:
Originally posted by coozer
I learn't a lot about my donor loom by hanging it on the garage wall following the diagrams in the manual and stripping off all the none essential stuff.


Problem is im not using my donors loom. Im making my own.

David Jenkins - 5/1/08 at 04:53 PM

There's a Haynes book called "Car Builder's Manual" by Lionel Baxter - I think he was Ron Champion's technician at Oundle School (but don't hold that against him!). Anyway, he gives a decent beginner's guide to car electrics in that, although I don't recommend buying a copy as otherwise it's very basic. If you can get a copy from the library then that's the best option.

Otherwise, there's another book on car electrics that's quite detailed - however I've lent it out and can't remember the title!

(Oi! Ditch, can I have my book back now? )

David

Ian D - 5/1/08 at 05:00 PM

I would buy the loom. It will save a lot of problems and time.

Jasper - 5/1/08 at 05:04 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Ian D
I would buy the loom. It will save a lot of problems and time.


Sounds like a good plan to me - then just add in the Jag engine loom, and worth getting the Haynes book to. Try and get a friendly local locoster down to give you a hand if possible too.

Confused but excited. - 5/1/08 at 05:51 PM

If you aren't using a modern engine with EFI ( i'm using an X-flow) then, Auto Electrics by Dave Westgate is a good book. I got mine for a couple of quid off the bay. HTH.

cossiebri - 5/1/08 at 06:05 PM

Go to halfords and get one of these...

Haynes linky

It teaches all the basic stuff &also explains ohms law,how a three phase alternator works,relays etc .Good for reference

JoelP - 5/1/08 at 06:16 PM

dont buy one! Its well easy to do, once you get your head round it

I have that car builders manual, it was an ok read.

twybrow - 5/1/08 at 06:29 PM

Get a haynes for your motor, then just make up the rest yourself. I was so scared about wiring, but when I got stuck into it, most things were straightforward once you think about it. Just dont try thinking of the entire loom at once. Work on one circuit at a time and it falls into place.