Technical Stewart Warner Gauge Wiring

So I just wired up my new SW green line oil pressure and temp gauges in my 60 Fairlane. Typical 3-post configuration on both gauges - Ignition, Ground and Sender. Added a jump wire from gauge to gauge on the ground and ignition. Grounded the gauges to the mounting screw. Hot lead coming from the ignition switch. Hit the key for my first test and the ignition lead wire fried. Any idea why this is happening? Could be bad ground? Help!!!

 

New to you or newer modern looking green line?
Ohm out each terminal to terminal & case, & senders,
Good ground ,
Did green come both 6 & 12v?

 

Brand new from Stewart Warner. 12v.

 

That’s a dead short somewhere.

John

 

I bet you ran an ignition jumper to a ground lug. Double check the wiring diagrams that came with the gauges. If it is easy to get at the backs of the gauges, hook them up one at a time to find out which one is the problem. Also put a fuse in the ignition to gauge line to prevent burning up anymore wire.

 

A lot of New electrical gauges recommendations are 1-5 amp fuse.

 

A photo would help but if I was guessing I would say that the plastic insulators on the wire posts are not on or where they should be.

 

Thanks. I’d have to pull all connections apart to get a good photo. Insulators all seem to be in place. Are you thinking that ignition lead may have been grounding out?

 

Thanks. Definitely adding a fuse in the hot lead.

 

Use an ohm meter to be sure the positive gauge terminal is not grounding on the gauge case.
Also check the sender terminal to be sure it is not grounding to the gauge case.