1998 Main fuse blows without ignition on or key in

So, I went out to fire up my 98 to circulate the oil a bit and it turned over but wouldn't start. Noticed the F1 light stayed on and, sure enough, main fuse was blown. Now, when I put a new one in, I get a spark at the terminals and another blown fuse.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Tim

 

and it ran ok last when ?

 

About a month ago.

 

maybe a mouse chewed some wires and caused a short to ground ?

 

Possible. Wouldn't be the first time. easy enough to see of fuse connector grounded, but, if so, where? PIA to trace.

 

remove all the fuses (not the main 30 amp) then plug them in one at a time to find the circuit that's shorted.

 

Thanks. I'll try that (not tonight!)

 

Which Main Fuse are you blowing?

If you are instantly blowing Main Fuse B 30amp without even turning your Ignition to On then there is a good chance your R/R is shorted.

Or are you blowing Main Fuse A 30amp (the one that sits in your Starter Relay)?

Your fault should be relatively easy to find because any short beyond the fuse box will take out the lower amperage sub fuses, not the Main Fuse.

 

Or none of the subfuses has been replaced with a suitable chunk of conducting metal...

 

I think it's B., the one in it's own holder right next to rthe other fuses. None of those are blown and, yes, the 30 amp blows instantly when inserted with no key in the ignition. With the ignition on, everything else seems to work, lights, starter, dash panel, etc. Why woulkd the R/R short from just sitting or is that a dumb question?

 

I'd just unplug the R/R and see if the fuse blows..... easy test.

 

That was it. unplugged the battery side from the R/R and no more blown fuses. Thanks!

So, at the risk of stirring up controversy, any suggestions on a reliable replacement?

Also, I couldn't help notice the Red WIngs logo and Yzerman in your handle: any relation to Steve?

 

No I just borrowed part of his name...... I've met Steve a few times, still don't have his autograph, shaking his hand is good enough.

 

Roadstercycle https://www.roadstercycle.com/index.htm

 

Got a new R/R from Rick's and all is well. Thanks to all who replied with assistance.