[DeTomaso] Horn Maintenance

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/18/13 11:48:10 AM, charlesmccall at gmail.com writes:


> My air horn appears to be only producing noise from one of the two 
> airhorns.
> This is a new development, as both used to sound.
> 
> 
> 
> This is the stock setup in my car:
> 
> http://www.poca.com/index.php/gallery/?g2_itemId=36718
> 
> >>>It is remarkable how easy it is to access it with this mounting scheme. 
>   Is this a removable panel which goes in front of the front tire on the 
> passenger side?   It makes horn servicing a snap!
> 
> >Yes, I have been fudzing around in the area.  But I don't see possible
> failure modes where only one horn would blow. There is a single electrical
> connection which I assume activates a mini-compressor. I'd assume that if
> one horn sounds, then the other should as well. The only failure mode I
> could see in my innocence is an air hose ruptured, and they appear to be 
> in
> good shape.
> 
>>>Or, your compressor has lost some of its pizazz, and is no longer moving 
enough air to sound both horns properly.   

Since the whole system is sitting in your lap, it should be easy to run 
jumper wires from the battery to the + and - terminals on the compressor.   If 
the horns work properly under those circumstances, then the problem is 
electrical--too much resistance in the circuit so the compressor isn't getting 
enough juice to operate properly.   Time to start chasing wires and cleaning 
connections, and possibly replace a relay?

If the compressor seems to be working but you don't get good horn sound, if 
you have a source of compressed air handy, disconnect the short hose from 
the compressor and use an air gun through to the horns.   If all is well they 
are likely to be VERY loud!

Hugh suggested just replacing the system, and if the problem is not the 
power source to the compressor, I fully concur.   Whether your horns or your 
compressor have failed, you might as well just buy a complete new set, as they 
are so incredibly cheap.   I installed a set of air horns from Harbor 
Freight which are identical to Fiamms (in fact, I've used several sets, and the 
early ones were actually made by Fiamm).   

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-super-loud-air-horn-40134.html

Your horns have metal bodies and plastic horns, whereas these are all 
plastic.   The plastic ones might even be more durable and less likely to 
corrode?   But for 15 bucks, who cares?

I can swing by Harbor Freight on my way home from work and get you a set if 
you like--just let me know....

Mike