Welding on the frame

[EZ$]

I've got a situation where I need to do some welding on the frame, but I thought I remembered that electronics could be damaged when welding. The electronic ignition module is mounted, but not hooked up, and the fuel injection cpu is mounted, but also not hooked up. Is this an issue, or am I worrying about nothing?
Thanks.

Rick

[edwardb]

Same as I posted on the other site: Theoretically, with the grounds disconnected it should be OK. But in the past when MSD ignition box failures were being discussed, I read on MSD's tech support site to physically remove their devices from any chassis that was being welded. Maybe not a bad idea, but if there's a lot of effort, not too practical. The other recommendation is to clamp your weld ground as close to the weld area as possible. Modern cars have tons of electronics, and those are the usual recommendations. (1) Disconnect the grounds, (2) Ground the welder close to the weld site.

[frankb]

Rick: To me, if access to remove the ignition and CPU boxes allows, it makes good sense to remove them from the chassis and disconnect all wiring form them. There should be no surge that affects them, but if there is, it will be too late (and expensive). Ask me how I know!

Frank B

[Jim Doak]

I've welded on my frame with no evidence of damage to my MSD ignition box. (Fingers crossed...)

[i.e.427]

It's all about the ground path. If you have the welding ground clamp at one end of the car and are welding at the other end of the car.......................Ground the welder as close as you can to the point you are welding to lessen the chance of stray current. And when at all possible remove any sensitive equipment from the car.

[EZ$]

Thanks guys. It will be a bit of a pain to remove both boxes, but I guess it beats the other possibility of having to remove them to replace them. Just an inattentive moment, and I cut too deep, so now I have to repair the frame tube that I cut into. Two steps forward, three steps back.

Rick