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Topic: buttstuffog cluster question (Read 1252 times) previous topic - next topic

buttstuffog cluster question

I currently have the buttstuffog cluster out of my car to replace the old white face gauge overlays with a new set.  I got the new overlays installed, cleaned everything up, and then just did a quick "test" re-install last night.

Question - does anyone know (or can you confirm) that the below spiral cable on the back of the cluster is some type of heat sink?  I plugged the cluster in and turned on my lights to illuminate the gauges and double check all of my bulbs.  The lights were on for maybe a minute or so before I removed the cluster from the car again.  When I reached back in to do so, this cable was pretty darn hot ... enough to burn skin upon touch.  I just wanted to see if anyone knew if this was supposed to be that hot or if I have some type of issue brewing.  All of the bulbs are standard replacements.

buttstuffog cluster question

Reply #1 –
Mine gets really hot too.

Edit - Here is a thread about it that I remember from a while back.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?34327-buttstuffog-cluster-*solve-that-heat-problem*-on-the-big-3-long-reisistor
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

buttstuffog cluster question

Reply #2 –
Quote from: 85CougarCobra;460357
I currently have the buttstuffog cluster out of my car to replace the old white face gauge overlays with a new set.  I got the new overlays installed, cleaned everything up, and then just did a quick "test" re-install last night.

Question - does anyone know (or can you confirm) that the below spiral cable on the back of the cluster is some type of heat sink?  I plugged the cluster in and turned on my lights to illuminate the gauges and double check all of my bulbs.  The lights were on for maybe a minute or so before I removed the cluster from the car again.  When I reached back in to do so, this cable was pretty darn hot ... enough to burn skin upon touch.  I just wanted to see if anyone knew if this was supposed to be that hot or if I have some type of issue brewing.  All of the bulbs are standard replacements.

I had the same heating problem with the buttstuffog cluster in my TC. I knew about the problem but still managed to burn my fingertips when I removed it from my car. Eliminated the whole issue when I rebuilt my cluster using Autometer gauges.
1987 Turbo Coupe, 306, Trick Flow Track Heat heads, Comp Cam, Trick Flow Pistons, Eagle Rods, Center Force clutch, T-5, 8.8 w/373 gears, and a bunch more
 

buttstuffog cluster question

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the info and link.  So, from searching other posts it seems that this resistor is supposed to get that hot.  I also read a couple of posts where folks recommend just removing this altogether.  Is that a viable option?  What other issues are you opening yourself up to by doing so?  I bought some soapstone and pulled the cluster back out of the car ... just debating how I want to move forward now.