Deleted my AFM Powerpipe = short issue gone

[GRGT1994]

I have spent the last 2 weeks tracking down a pesky short issue that has a huge appetite for $3 high current 20 amp fuses. I've been burning em out in my EEC line. I even took it into a shop and let them track it for a while. Nothing.

So today, I pulled my Anderson Ford Motorsports Powerpipe. It was just barely contacting with my alternator housing. And I had suspected there was an issue with the MAF harness in the fenderwell after I manhandled the Powerpipe for clearance to install some locking header bolts.

Finally, I just pulled it out and replaced it with a couple of 3" connectors and a bit of 3" PVC pipe from Home Depot. This cleans up the MAF harness routing, and I can keep everything well away from kinks, pinches and other issues. Now the short issue seems to be gone.

I'll be watching it closely over the next few days. But has anyone noticed this kind of short before?

Also, I now notice a loud whoosh when I step on it. I think its the sound of the engine sucking air into the filter, which is now less muffled between it and me (now that it's in the engine compartment rather than in the fender well). Does that sound right too?

 

[RIO5.0]

Good deal... Hopefully you found your gremlin...

I noticed my old PVC CAI had the same noise, sorta like 4bbl carb set-up when the back 2 kick in....that means she's woofing good air... I

 

[CManT1914]

Good deal man! I know you hated that Powerpipe, I'm not too fond of mine either, that's why I've never put it back on since my h/c/i. I have the freaking stock rubber boot on there right now. The whooshing sound is normal. Mine's cool, I was listening for strange noises yesterday with the engine running, and I put my ear close to the filter, and I could hear it sucking in air even at idle.

 

[GRGT1994]

FOCK! The short is back. It struck while I was on the highway at rush hour!!!

Any ideas on how to track this sucker down?

 

[donkey_punch]

you could first check the ground for the ECC line you talk about. thats a start.

or you may have to start following wires from that fuse thats keeps going.see if it had been caught on a sharp edge and is grounding out.

 

[WhiteDevil]

Ive had my anderson power pipe for about a year and a half now and it hasnt caused any shorts or problems with my car so far. Its bulky and hits my alt too but after all that time no alt problems here.

 

[GRGT1994]

OK, I think I found the issue. I took it into a speed shop in town and had them do a few other clean up things, and asked them to look for the short. They found it at about 5:00 pm today (close at 6:00). Well, at least we are pretty sure where it is. They picked up on the harness just behind the coil - leading back to the injectors. And it arced to the upper intake and died out. They ran out of time before closing for the weekend, so I took it home to try and get it this weekend. When I got it home, I tried the same part of the harness, and sure enough I blew the fuse too.

So at least I have the area narrowed down. I'm gonna let the engine cool then pull the upper to take a look.

Any suggestions on troubleshooting now that I have it narrowed down? I'm expecting to find a frayed wire pretty obvious under there, but what if I don't?

Oh, and if anyone needs a suggestion on a good shop in GR, MI, I sure have one. They charged me only 1 hour for countless time spent tracking down the short!!!

 

[SWYZ721]

Grand Rapids, Michigan?

What's the name?

 

[RIO5.0]

So at least I have the area narrowed down. I'm gonna let the engine cool then pull the upper to take a look.

Any suggestions on troubleshooting now that I have it narrowed down? I'm expecting to find a frayed wire pretty obvious under there, but what if I don't?

Cool...I'm sure when you rip the loom of that harness it's gonna be real obvious, specially as it was grounding enuf to stall it out......Get out the solder gun... ...and dont forget to undo the battery while your playing in there....dont need any BS from that...

 

[GRGT1994]

Thanks guys. I got it buttoned up. Turned the ignition on (too late to start it up - will wake the neighborhood), and played with the harness. Nothing, fuse held solid.

I think I got it!!!!!!!!!!

Gonna take it for a spin and grind some rubber off the tires tomorrow morning.

 

[slvrbullit302]

Congrats, I hate tracking down wiring gremlins like that but least you found yours.