Wiring Question?

[nomad38028]

I'm installing a Rivco Air Horn. I'm going to use 14 gage wire one all connections from the battery to the relay and compressor, just to make sure I get good draw to the compressor. What gage would any of you recommend to use going to the original hornwires. They appear to be about 18ga? Remember this is only needed to trip the relay.

[Blueraven]

Actually, I just plugged the relay directly in to the Horn push on connectors. Wired the rest with 14g wire to the battery with a fuse inline.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

I'm installing a Rivco Air Horn. I'm going to use 14 gage wire one all connections from the battery to the relay and compressor, just to make sure I get good draw to the compressor. What gage would any of you recommend to use going to the original hornwires. They appear to be about 18ga? Remember this is only needed to trip the relay.

Use whatever small gauge wire you have on hand. If the original horn wiring is 18g, you aren't gaining anything by going bigger than that.

[nomad38028]

Actually the instructions call for hooking the original horn wiring to the relay, but I'm mounting the compressor and relay in the left side cover, so I'm having to add wire to the original horn wires by the radiator back to the relay location. I'd prefer to use wire as small as possible to "snake" them up and over the cylinders heads. I'll have to route the air line up ther too and space is limited. I don't plan on removing the tank. but here's another question. If I remove the two rear tank bolts, how far can I raise the tank? Anyone?

[Blueraven]

Yes, you can raise the tank. I leave the front screw in (not tight) and use a 2x4 to prop up the rear of the tank to connect the cables and hoses when I re-install the tank. I have lots of room to do stuff so you should have no problem. So, you are running the wires from the stock horn wires to the left side cover and install the relay there? I guess it is 6 of 1, 1/2 doz of the other. I put the relay up where the horn wires are so that the box is less congested.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

Actually the instructions call for hooking the original horn wiring to the relay, but I'm mounting the compressor and relay in the left side cover, so I'm having to add wire to the original horn wires by the radiator back to the relay location. I'd prefer to use wire as small as possible to "snake" them up and over the cylinders heads. I'll have to route the air line up ther too and space is limited. I don't plan on removing the tank. but here's another question. If I remove the two rear tank bolts, how far can I raise the tank? Anyone?

Removing the tank is easy. I'd just make sure the tank is near empty and remove it, then you can neatly run wires along the existing wiring harness, zip tie them and be assured they are far away from the heads, etc.

[nomad38028]

Yes, The compressor needs to stay out of the weather, so they say mount it behind the left side cover. I've either gotta run wires to the front to mount the relay or run the horn wires to the side cover and just handle all my connections there. I figure theres room there to hide everything , it's definately easier there so those are my plans. I should have everything completed next week (waiting on the horn) I'll post pics when I'm done.