The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Fireworks from the horn button!!!

Hello, group.

Recently worked out the issues with my Horn button (1941 Chevy Big Bolt), thanks in large part to the tech tip here. Had to lower the steering mast to allow the horn button threads to contact the steering column.

Problem is, though the horn seems much more reliable now, (AND I'm hoping it won't sound on its own whenever I make a left turn! ) more often then not a sizable spark shoots out around the edge of the horn button!!!

Now, I realize the 4th of July is fast approaching, but I'd be happier if I wasn't putting on a show every time I honked the horn.

So . . . why would it spark so signifigantly? What is different about MY horn button, that OTHERS' won't spark?

Any ideas?

-Michael

Horns are current or amp hounds. This is why horn relays are used. Is the relay installed in your ride? If so, is it wired correctly and working? Ony the horn relay coil current should be going through your horn button, which is no more than a couple hundred millamps.

Beltfed,

Horn is wired as original for '41 trucks, with no relay. New Harness from Rhode Island Wiring.

Would believe it's an amperage hound - hadn't thought to measure it, though. I'll throw the inductive amp guage on it for grins.

Still, unless mine is drawing more than it should, it seems it wouldn't have done this from the factory . . .

-Michael

The stock single horn on my 38 doesn't have a relay but the accessory trumpet horns do. Do you have a single horn mounted on the manifold? If so you shouldn't need a relay.

Seems like this was discussed awhile back but I can't find the post now. I think the problem is the replacement horn contact itself. The new ones are much lighter duty items that aren't designed to work without a relay, especially at 6 volts where currents are much higher. Unless you're doing a factory correct restoration, I'd pick up a firewall mounted relay and wire it in. I think that will solve your problem.

I believe 'Waldo53' nailed it. Install the relay, in an obscure place if necessary. Several years ago I worked on my buddy's '36 Ford pickup who's two horns sounded like a new calf being born. After the relay installation, it DID get your attention which is the whole idea. I have no idea as to how much juice a horn should draw, maybe someone at this forum will know. My trouble shooting has been to test the horn with a hot battery. If it parts you hair, then its good. Good luck.