12 volt arc

[cwhubb]

I think I figured it out, the cardboard like insulation? that goes between the ammeter posts was dried and broke apart when I removed the meter, I forgot all about it and put the cluster together without it. what does this cardboard looking thing do? and where can I find a suitable replacement?

 

[440+6]

The insulater is available, just search for it.
Disconnect the red and black wires going to the ammeter and connect them together with a small bolt, tape them up or mvake sure they aren't touching anything and see if that cures the problem.

 

[cwhubb]

@ 440+6 he did that a while back and it did start

 

[cwhubb]

The cause of this maddening problem was ME, It was the strip of insulation material or in my case the lack of it that was causing the short, and even after taking the cluster completely apart a few times to check for the problem I never noticed that missing strip. hope this saves someone else from weeks of insanity. Thank you all for your input, I appreciate that very much

 

[HT413]

Wow that must have been a HUGE short, no? Congrats on finding it. Like you, I tend to be the cause of most of my problems as well lol.

 

[440+6]

Glad you ended up figuring it out..