The Fusible Link Thread [merged]
05-08-2007, 02:56 PM
#21
Instructor
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Ok.......here's where I am. I connected the battery and nothing...then I checked voltage at the started and ther is power there. I also followed the red wire out of the connection on the firewall side of the driver's side to the alternator and got power at the alternator. What do you suggest I do next? I only have a red wire and a black going to the battery side of the solinoid. Tightened those down and also put on some new wire, the old stuff was crusty looking...but I did it right in either case....suggestions please!!!!!
05-08-2007, 03:01 PM
#23
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I was wondering if that was a fusable link.....I was hoping it wasn't......it looks like a mother to get at. I'll go back to look at it again. What else could it be???? There is NO power to the fuse box either!!!!!
05-08-2007, 04:09 PM
#26
there is a red wire from the terminal block on the driver fender well to the fuse block, can't remember if it has a fuse link, but don't think so. would have to break out the diagrams. it goes right into the harness at the terminal block. hope you find the prob without having to take the fuse box apart . . .
05-08-2007, 04:33 PM
#28
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Yes...I found that when I took it apart...there is power on one side of the terminal block...but I have no power at the fuse block. I think I'll take the dash back out and start over.....I doubt that there is any fuses etc. under there but I have run out of ideas...thanks for your input. Larry
05-08-2007, 04:49 PM
#29
Le Mans Master
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The fuse links can be replaced with a fuse and it will work, BUT. It would need to be a large slow blow fuse. Fuse links are not designed to blow if you get a spike on the line. It is designed to burn if you get a dead short to ground.
I don't like them much and they are a manufacturing/cost compromise, I am replacing mine with some pretty stealth looking circuit breakers. They should do the job nicely,m but cost a LOT more than a fuse or a fuse link.
I don't like them much and they are a manufacturing/cost compromise, I am replacing mine with some pretty stealth looking circuit breakers. They should do the job nicely,m but cost a LOT more than a fuse or a fuse link.
05-08-2007, 05:33 PM
#31
5th Gear
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Everything went dead. I had the alternator checked and it's fine.
I will start with the battery this weekend and work from there in to the rest of the system.
Thank you very much for the response.
I will start with the battery this weekend and work from there in to the rest of the system.
Thank you very much for the response.
05-08-2007, 07:29 PM
#34
Melting Slicks
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A fusible link is just a thinner wire. I forgot the calculation. but lets say you starter wire is 16 gauge...the fusible link is a 14 or 12 guage (depending on calculation)wire soldiered in. The theory is that if you over load the system you will have a controlled burn in the harness on the thinner wire.
Jim
Jim
05-08-2007, 08:03 PM
#35
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St. Jude Donor '07
The fuse links can be replaced with a fuse and it will work, BUT. It would need to be a large slow blow fuse. Fuse links are not designed to blow if you get a spike on the line. It is designed to burn if you get a dead short to ground.
I don't like them much and they are a manufacturing/cost compromise, I am replacing mine with some pretty stealth looking circuit breakers. They should do the job nicely,m but cost a LOT more than a fuse or a fuse link.
I don't like them much and they are a manufacturing/cost compromise, I am replacing mine with some pretty stealth looking circuit breakers. They should do the job nicely,m but cost a LOT more than a fuse or a fuse link.
BTW, does anyone know the fuseable link sizes for a 77?
05-08-2007, 08:18 PM
#36
Le Mans Master
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Circuit Breakers are rated in Amps and Volts and your right, they have different trip characteristics. If you have a CB rated for up to 40 volts or so and under 50 amps you should be good.
05-08-2007, 08:47 PM
#37
Team Owner
The difference is that fusible links are NEVER supposed to fail. Said another way, there should be no reason for a failure in the line with a fusible link unless someone working on the car has made an error [generally, has caused a direct short]. Fused circuits have devices on them that can fail and cause an overload. Fix the device and replace the fuse. There are lots and lots of GM cars still on the road that have never had a fusible link failure and never will... unless Bubba gets to them!
05-08-2007, 08:56 PM
#38
Drifting
A fusible link is just a thinner wire. I forgot the calculation. but lets say you starter wire is 16 gauge...the fusible link is a 14 or 12 guage (depending on calculation)wire soldiered in. The theory is that if you over load the system you will have a controlled burn in the harness on the thinner wire.
Jim
Jim
05-08-2007, 09:05 PM
#39
Melting Slicks
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