30 amp fuse to Computer blown

[imarangemaster]

7.3 Power stroke 97, 250K. Two weeks ago 30 amp big fuse in box blew (just after starting, temp 30 degrees). Tried code reader, no connection. Crank won't start, no glow plug light. Replaced fuse, ran fine for weeks. Then yesterday, started, 30 degrees three minutes later same fuse blew died, no signal to code reader, won't start. replaced fuse, blew as soon as I tuned key, tried a 40 amp, blew as soon as I turned key.

If looking at big fuse box, middle row, fuse closest to engine. Someone suggested my glow plug relay shorted out and is staying on.

Help! It is sitting in the parking lot of my job

[dhanna6powerstroke]

Originally Posted by imarangemaster

7.3 Power stroke 97, 250K. Two weeks ago 30 amp big fuse in box blew (just after starting, temp 30 degrees). Tried code reader, no connection. Crank won't start, no glow plug light. Replaced fuse, ran fine for weeks. Then yesterday, started, 30 degrees three minutes later same fuse blew died, no signal to code reader, won't start. replaced fuse, blew as soon as I tuned key, tried a 40 amp, blew as soon as I turned key.

If looking at big fuse box, middle row, fuse closest to engine. Someone suggested my glow plug relay shorted out and is staying on.

Help! It is sitting in the parking lot of my job

It's the fuel heater causing the fuse to blow. There is an electrical connection on the passenger side of the fuel filter bowl. Disconnect the fuel heater and replace the fuse. That will keep it from blowing.

[SMKSTAX]

I agree it's definitely the fuel heater in the fuel bowl shorting out and causing the 30 amp maxi fuse to blow. On the 97's though the electrical connection is on the drivers side of the fuel bowl. There are 2 black connectors going into the side of the housing. If i remember correctly it will be the top one. The bottom one should be the water in fuel sensor.

[dhanna6powerstroke]

Originally Posted by SMKSTAX

I agree it's definitely the fuel heater in the fuel bowl shorting out and causing the 30 amp maxi fuse to blow. On the 97's though the electrical connection is on the drivers side of the fuel bowl. There are 2 black connectors going into the side of the housing. If i remember correctly it will be the top one. The bottom one should be the water in fuel sensor.

Oops, I meant to put drivers side. Thanks for the correction.

[imarangemaster]

Went there with a new fuse, pulled the heater wire, and fired right up. I plug in the block heater at night anyway, so I don't have to fix it immediately.

Thanks a million.

PS, I figured out it was the drivers side, anyway! What's the smaller wire that hooks in below the heater wire?

[SMKSTAX]

Originally Posted by imarangemaster

What's the smaller wire that hooks in below the heater wire?

If i recall correctly it's the water in fuel sensor.