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'72 - Ammeter, Fusable Link

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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 03:19 PM
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Default '72 - Ammeter, Fusable Link

Ammeter does not work. Performed the AA battery test and the gauge itself is functioning properly. Started looking for fusable links. The second picture below is what I found. Here are my questions:

1. Is this a fusable link and if it is bad would this cause the ammeter to not work?
2. How do you go about replacing this? If you look at the picture you can see that the wire is almost in two where it meets the black connector and on the other end it looks twisted.
3. Where do I get a replacement and what should I get?

Appreciate any and all help.


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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 04:10 PM
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Check it for continuity.......replace it with a fusable link from Wilcox. I am not exactly sure if that would go to the ammeter.....you really need a diagram. I have one but it is too big to scan.
There is a member on here who will send you the diagram for free but I forget who it is......all you have to do is E-mail him and he will shoot you a file. Maybe somebody will pop in and tell us who it is....

To replace it.....I use non-insulated butt connectors from Digi-Key and shrink tube.......but you could solder it in and shrink tube as well if you are comfortable soldering.

Jebby

Last edited by Jebbysan; Nov 18, 2018 at 04:21 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 04:57 PM
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NC_C5, (from NC but own a C5?)
Disconnect the battery!
Agree, a continuity test should be done first.
Check from the ends of each barrel that we do not see in your picture.

Here's a 72 schematic.
Maybe jebbysan can help us read it.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...GE5N2EzZGI2Mjc
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:01 PM
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In your picture the box on the lower right side, what is that?
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
NC_C5, (from NC but own a C5?)
Disconnect the battery!
Agree, a continuity test should be done first.
Check from the ends of each barrel that we do not see in your picture.

Here's a 72 schematic.
Maybe jebbysan can help us read it.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=YzN2cm1haWwuY 29tfHR1bWJsZXdlZWQtdHJhbnNtaXNzaW9ufGd4O jIxYzEyNGE5N2EzZGI2Mjc
Sure....you are looking for the orange wire with a fusable link on it......I circled the Ammeter Black/Black-White wires and they trace through the firewall to the other snapshot where I have circled where these wires split off.




I think you are looking for the Black/White wire that goes to the two prong plug of the alternator personally.......but you should replace that fusable in your pic.

Hope that helps!!!!

Jebby

Last edited by Jebbysan; Nov 18, 2018 at 05:10 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:10 PM
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I'll repeat what someone else posted elsewhere on this forum; a "fusible link" is merely a smaller gauge wire than the one it protects; typically 4AWG smaller. (e.g. protecting a 10AWG wire with a 14AWG fusible link). Ideally a FL should utilize fireproof insulation. FWIW NAPA sells wire for fusible links.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BEL784692

Or you can purchase from a Corvette shop.

I cut one of those rubber "bullets" apart. Inside is nothing but a crimp connector. I posited that the "bullet" merely helped Chevrolet techs locate fusible links inside a harness, rather like a fat mouse inside a snake.

If this were my car I would use a couple of sharp t-pins and stab the wires on either end of the two rubber baby bugger bumpers and check continuity while moving the
fusible link around. If continuity is lost, replace it. If continuity is maintained, I'd ignore the ugly and move to the next area of concern.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:17 PM
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I just took the following pic from my own 72'.......this is the wire to look for. Are you sure you are charging? Look for continuity between this wire and the one on your gauge....the other black wire goes to the horn relay and check that one too.




Jebby

Last edited by Jebbysan; Nov 18, 2018 at 05:25 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:33 PM
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Yes, I joined the forum in 2002 when I had a C5.
Appreciate the help.

Last edited by nc_c5; Nov 18, 2018 at 06:04 PM. Reason: Put in wrong place
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:35 PM
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The box on the lower right side is part of a Petronix ignition system that was on the car when I bought it back in June.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Jebbysan
I just took the following pic from my own 72'.......this is the wire to look for. Are you sure you are charging? Look for continuity between this wire and the one on your gauge....the other black wire goes to the horn relay and check that one too.




Jebby
To my knowledge it is charging. I can't test that now because I have the steering column out of the car as well as the whole dash.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 08:57 PM
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Not really sure what you're looking for anymore, but here is a thread where I located and fixed some fusible links on my 68.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...locations.html

And some fusible link repair guidance from autozone:
https://www.autozone.com/repairguide...00c15280217ea7

I have bought fusible link repair wiring at autozone before. You can look there. I solder mine in and and cover the soldered connections with heat-shrink. I like to place a tape-label at the location also....for future reference.

Last edited by carriljc; Nov 18, 2018 at 09:02 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 09:42 PM
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That is the fusible link for ammeter and it looks to be shot
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Old Nov 18, 2018 | 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by nc_c5
To my knowledge it is charging. I can't test that now because I have the steering column out of the car as well as the whole dash.
Ok....well anyway look for a breach in the two wires Black and Black-White Stripe.....the Black from the horn relay and Black with White Stripe from the Alt. plug.....look close at the diagram and you will see it.
Good luck

Jebby
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