Please Help Fusebox - W124

[TOPMERCS]

Please help, I have the w124 300d-1988, about 1.5 months ago i changed the headlamp bulbs to osram silverstar (+50%), was very pleased with it, until yesterday when i was having a look at the fusebox i noticed the 2 fuses
for the lower beam started to melt the plastic between the two fuses (i hope iam describing this correctly), basically the plastic has melted by the tip of the fuse pushing the metal contact behind the plastic and between the 2 fuses.,i asked a few friends and they told me to change the bulbs even though i told them i had made sure i fitted the correct wattage (60/55).
which i did,but iam doubtful as i think it is still melting, is it possible that the silverstar could have caused this and will i have to replace the fusebox,if so how much will it set me back and would it really be advisable to buy secondhand if i have to buy one, or could there be another remedy to fix this?
Has anybody have to change the fuse box,please advise, thanks guys.One guy told me it is a common problem to change the fusebox?????

 

[bolide]

W124 fusebox

Do you know if this happened before or after the bulbs were changed? Not really relevant now, but of interest

The plastic melts because poor electrical contact at the fuses causes a high resistance & generates heat. The cure is to remove all the fuses and clean or replace them. Also clean the fuseholders

The best tool I've found for this is a Scotchbrite pad as used in bodyshops. A Green Scotchbrite should do the trick

If the problems persists you'll need to replace the fusebox. Once the plastic's melted the fuses posts will tend to move apart, driven by the springyness of the posts, and the connection will get worse, creating a vicious circle


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[TOPMERCS]

Thanks for your reply Nick,Unfortunately the plastic has melted quite a bit-got it checked and was told will have to change the fuse box, to your question, the melting of the plastic happened after putting in the Osram Silverstar.I will bear the top tip you have given in mind,about changing the fuses and cleaning the contacts.Thanks again

 

[850t5]

Hi, dont know if this helps but many years ago 124's had a problem with the blower motor fuse melting in the fuse box, the remedy was to fit an external fuse and carrier. Essentially the fuse link is bypassed, and a new heavier duty fuse carrier is mounted on the strut top. This could be a way around your problem. The part numbers for the modification are as follows.

1 x 126 540 30 13 Auxiliary wiring harness with fuse box
1 x 124 545 53 40 Bracket
1 x 000 540 08 69 Terminal Block
1 x 001 997 42 90 Cable Strap
2 x 007981 004244 4.2B13 self tapping screws
2 x 007985 004123 Screws
2 x 912004 004102 Spring lock washer

Obviously you would need to double up on the above for both headlamp fuses.

Im not sure if all the part numbers would still be valid, but its worth a go.

 

[TOPMERCS]

Hi, dont know if this helps but many years ago 124's had a problem with the blower motor fuse melting in the fuse box, the remedy was to fit an external fuse and carrier. Essentially the fuse link is bypassed, and a new heavier duty fuse carrier is mounted on the strut top. This could be a way around your problem. The part numbers for the modification are as follows.

1 x 126 540 30 13 Auxiliary wiring harness with fuse box
1 x 124 545 53 40 Bracket
1 x 000 540 08 69 Terminal Block
1 x 001 997 42 90 Cable Strap
2 x 007981 004244 4.2B13 self tapping screws
2 x 007985 004123 Screws
2 x 912004 004102 Spring lock washer

Obviously you would need to double up on the above for both headlamp fuses.

Im not sure if all the part numbers would still be valid, but its worth a go.

Thanks alot mate for the trouble you have taken, i will look into it for future reference, unfortunately another fuse box has already been ordered,this is a top tip.Infact iam going to keep a note of this.Thanks again