[Gmecm] Welding vs. computers

[mark krawczuk]

hi, i `ve done  welding on exhausts and chassis on  vehicles  fitted with 
computers and havent removed them.

i `ve kept the earth clamp  very  close to where i`m welding, i.e if welding 
on teh exhaust  , dont put the earth  clamp on the chassis, .
mark k


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Doug Chase" <doug at chaserace.com>
To: <gmecm at diy-efi.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 5:20 PM
Subject: RE: [Gmecm] Welding vs. computers


> It definitely makes sense to me that electronics could be subject to 
> damage
> if the proper precuations aren't taken.  Grounding to the chassis while
> welding on the exhaust, for example, could have an O2 sensor as a 
> casualty.
>
> It also makes sense that completely removing components will protect them
> from being damaged by things I haven't thought of.
>
> What does NOT make sense is to why disconnecting the battery, a common
> precaution I've heard, would protect anything.  It seems to me that it 
> might
> be even better leaving it in.  At least that way you have a very large
> capacitor to protect against voltage spikes on the +12 side of things.
> Thoughts?
>
> Doug Chase
> www.chaserace.com
> 425-269-5636
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmecm-bounces at diy-efi.org [mailto:gmecm-bounces at diy-efi.org] On 
> Behalf
> Of bcroe at juno.com
> Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 4:05 PM
> To: gmecm at diy-efi.org
> Subject: [Gmecm] Welding vs. computers
>
> I second that.  Completely disconnect delicate electronics before welding.
> A car isn't one mass of metal.  Many parts are isolated by rubber,etc.  So
> things like ground straps and exhaust pipes may be taking big currents,
> which aren't so predictable.  Not only the resistance is a factor, but the
> arcing weld current will respond to inductance in the circuit.  If the
> original ground system isn't in perfect condition, currents have been 
> known
> to find their way through things like shift cables.
>
> Do tie your welding ground to the piece of metal being welded, reasonably
> close to the weld.  If there are 2 pieces, tie them electrically together.
>
> Bruce Roe
>
> 12 Nov 2006  Rexdina at aol.com writes:
>> The fact is that while electricity does seek the path of least
>> resistance, not all of the current is going to necessarily do that.
>> Some of it can go through any of the numerous paths to ground. Best to
>> disconnect or entirely remove potential sensitive electronic
>> components. Yes, it's a hassle,  but so is trying to find out what is
>> "cooked" when you do ruin one. And it can  get expensive.
>> Harry
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