[R428Galaxie]

I recently sorted out all of the wires behind the dash of my 64 Galaxie. When I turned the ignition to on, within about 3 seconds, one of the wires attached to the constant voltage regulator had a melt down.

It is the single wire connection. I believe it is the side that goes to the gas gauge. It has (had) a connection, possibly an in line fuse, which is the portion that actually melted. This connection has male and female ends that bridge the connection between the wire and the regulator. It is covered in plastic shrink wrap with a looped wire core?

I have no idea what might have caused this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. In general, what purpose does this regulator serve, and if left disconnected, what would be the result?

 

[63ford406]

The constant voltage regulator is for the temp and gas gauges. It cuts the voltage down from 12 volts to about 6 or 7 volts. If you leave it out with stock gauges it will fry the gauges. Sounds like you had a dead short in the wire.

 

[coosbaylumber]

Before replacing the IVR unit, take a look as to what may have caused it. Generally it is a short in the gauge or sending unit. One failed in my (used) Mustang years ago, for the previous owner wholopped a log right into the fuel tank sending unit, and replaced it with some generic unit. It was shiney and obvious, and got replaced with a used and more accurate one later on.

Wm.

 

[R428Galaxie]

Have you seen this bridge or in-line fuse that I have described before. Is it designed to melt down before the harness does. I have never seen anything similar to replace it now that I have cooked this one. I will take another look at all the wiring all the way back to the tank. Could a incorrrectly placed connection at the generator voltage regular cause a problen like this?

 

[5851a]

This could be totally off base but I think it sounds like a noise supperssor for the radio. Do 64's have a temp gauge? All gauges will work through the same regulator, sounds like there must be a short to the gauge.