Author Topic: Question about Fuses  (Read 5010 times)

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Question about Fuses
« on: March 21, 2014, 15:21:07 »
I've solved my indicator issue (both left and right did not work during my last drive around the block 3 months ago).

This week I took the car out into the drive way to clean out the garage and at the same time checked the fuse. I found Fuse No. 5 burned out (8 Amp)

I'm wondering how many Fuses you fellows carry with you at all times as spares and what Amps they are?

My fuses are all white does it mean they are all 8 Amps? One of them does not seem to have the same shape as the rest of them, would that be a higher Amperage?

Sorry to ask this (stupid question), however, I don't like to pull them unnecessarily to check them out.

Thanks in advance for your help.
« Last Edit: March 29, 2014, 08:26:32 by 280SL71 »
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

Peter van Es

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Re: Question about Fueses
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2014, 15:22:11 »
1970 280SL. System Admin of the site. Please do not mail or PM me questions on Pagoda's... I'm not likely to know the answer.  Please post on the forum instead!

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: Question about Fueses
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2014, 18:43:44 »
Thank you Peter!
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

ja17

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Re: Question about Fueses
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2014, 00:35:06 »
You can test all the fuses with a 12 volt test light or a continuity tester. The problem is that the original aluminum fuses tend to corrode over time and loose contact even though the fuses are not blown. If the fuse is not visibly burnt in two, just twist them back and fourth. This will renew the connection. Spraying the fuses with some electrical contact cleaner will help prevent future corrosion. The original fuses are always white in color. All of them are 8 amp except for the little stubby short ones which are 16 amp. All the originals were white ceramic and aluminum (silver colored metal and white ceramic). You may be able to find some of the white ceramic and brass (gold colored metal and white ceramic), these do not corrode as bad. "Buss" fuses used to make and  sell some stainless and glass fuses with pointed ends for use in these cars. They fit perfectly and never ever failed from corrosion. They do not look original however.

You can most easily check each fuse by using a 12 volt test light and touch it to the brass fuse holder at one end of the fuse and then touch the brass fuse holder at the other end. If you have power at one brass fuse holder and not the other, then the fuse is bad or has lost contact.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: Question about Fueses
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2014, 01:46:29 »
Thanks very much Joe for the details. I will purchase a set of spares before I take the car on the road again so that I have them on hand should the need arise. All my fuses seam to be the original types. Your tips and help as always is very much appreciated.

We will have that sometime this coming summer :)
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

ja17

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Re: Question about Fueses
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2014, 07:01:24 »
Can't wait ;D !
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Jonny B

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Re: Question about Fuses
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2014, 19:27:13 »
I include a fuse "twist" as part of the annual maintenance ritual.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: Question about Fuses
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2014, 20:28:55 »
Joe, when are you erecting that new shop of yours again? I might take a trip down your way to lend a hand. Then we have a chance to have a good beer or two :)
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

ja17

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Re: Question about Fuses
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2014, 20:38:50 »
Thanks Rolf,

I see why they call the US/Canadian border the longest and friendliest border in the World!
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback