4 replies to this topic

[brivinci]

I asked this in a different thread but figured it might get a little more attention on its own. James Quintin and Minimans helped me find a source for thep proper spade ends (awesome!) but while I am ordering, might as well get some new wires just in case.

 

Can anyone tell me what wires I should be looking for? Autosparks has just about anything one could need. I'll be wiring up oil pressure, water temp, and oil temp sensors and would love for the wires to match what Rover would have used. 

[Compdoc]

Always use thinwall cable for cars. Obviously, the diameter of the conductor will depend on the amount of current it has to carry, but for sensors and gauges, (except for ammeter) 11amp, 0.5mm2 is OK. You can get the various colours from your Haynes manual, not forgetting the tracer stripe. If you can't get the correct colours in 0.5mm2 you may have to go up to 0.75mm2 or even 1.00mm2 as these generally have more colour options.

I hope this is some help.

[brivinci]

That does help a lot. Thank you.

 

I am not currently planning on running an ammeter but if I was, what gauge would you recommend...so I know. Always love to learn.

Edited by brivinci, 19 June 2017 - 05:43 PM.

[Compdoc]

An ammeter measures the current, in amps, actually flowing through it. So that its wired into the main feed. The maximum discharge current, (drawn from the battery), in a Mini would be around 30amps or maybe a bit more if you have items that will draw more current like sub woofers, electric windows, heated seats etc. You've got to allow for the time when you've got everything turned on and you want to start the engine.

Have a look at the cables on offer http://www.autospark.../thin-wall.html

and pick a suitable cable, say 33amp 3.00mm2 and then go up one level to give yourself a bit of leeway for future developments. So in this case, 42amp 4.5mm2.

Most modern cars use a voltmeter, which is not a direct replacement for an ammeter but can use thin wires more in keeping with modern vehicles.

[brivinci]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks a lot.Now

 

I have to figure out what color wires I want to use for the oil pressure, oil temp and water temp sensors....

Edited by brivinci, 20 June 2017 - 06:01 PM.