main fusible link????

[americanmusc1e]

can I replace the fusible link that comes off the battery with a fuse?? if so, what size fuse???

if not, where do I get another fusible link???


mines not burned in two, but it needs replacing.

[KEL]

mine has an inline fuse installed by PO
25A
hasn't blown in the last two years
fusable links are available at my local napa also

[tqlspec]

they sell the link at any of the big box auto stores (Autozone, O'reillys, etc.). Use the 16 gauge 1.0 SQMM. The package and fuse will have this printed on it.

I don't recommend substituting with a fuse. When these things go it's because something major happened to that circuit. It takes a large, prolonged, current draw to blow a link.

They don't take but a few minutes to replace. Keep a spare in your truck toolbox.

[Zeke's Garage]

Replacing the fusible link is really quick and easy, but you can go ahead and put in what's called a Maxi-Fuse.. Painless provides one with their harnesses, and it's just a giant 2x size plastic fuse... 45 amp I think was the one that came with my harness. I'm not sure if the Maxi-Fuse is like a slow-blow, or an instant one like the little ones.


Shawn

[hayhauler71]

glass and plastic style fuses are fast blow I would recommend using a fuse link only for that application because if you have one short voltage spike a regular fuse will blow.

[grs]

Were is the fusible link located , and what does it look like?

[fixit-p]

Maxi, Mega and MIDI fuses are all suitable fusible link replacements they are all SLO BLOW type fuses. I prefer fusible links on the charge wire at the battery because it can also help to limit current flow to the battery in a buss center I would go with the fuses because they all have less resistance than the fusible link.

[americanmusc1e]

Originally Posted by grs

Were is the fusible link located , and what does it look like?

from the factory there are two wires coming off of your positive battery terminal (sometimes there are more added by the PO or you), one is a large cable that goes directly to your starter, and the other is your fusible link, think of it as sort of a main breaker (or fuse) for your trucks electrical system.

[camrycurt]

This is a very timely thread, as I just replaced my failing battery cables last weekend and completely missed this. I guess the PO did too, as there was nothing in the wire I took out. I'm thankful my truck didn't burn to the ground.

But just to clarify - "fusible link" is just a fancy term for a short length of smaller wire, correct?

So is there any reason I can't simply splice in a 4" length of 16 gauge solid wire and be done? Is there anything special about the fancy $4 fusible links they sell in the stores?

Thanks for the help!

[fixit-p]

Originally Posted by camrycurt

So is there any reason I can't simply splice in a 4" length of 16 gauge solid wire and be done? Is there anything special about the fancy $4 fusible links they sell in the stores? Thanks for the help!

Fusible links are special, they are designed to blow w/o damaging its special fire proof insulation, plain wire on the other hand when shorted will glow red hot melting off its insulation possibly starting a fire or damaging other wires before it gets hot enough to destroy itself.

[72lb4x4]

Interesting...

I googled 16 gauge 1.0 SQMM and it looks like "1.0 SQ MM" means the wire has a cross sectional area of one square millimeter.

One source said the length is critical: http://www.qualitydist.net/pico-8126s.html

"Fusible Link wire is designed to open a circuit when an extreme overload occurs. Replacement links should be used only to repair factory installed fusible links with the original length and gauge being matched exactly. Typically, fusible link should be 4 gauges smaller than the circuit wire. **CAUTION:**Do not substitute ordinary wire for fusible links and do not replace fuses with fusible link wire as highly technical calculations are needed to determine the correct length and gauge of the fusible link."

Since by now I'd guess most of the links are long gone in our trucks, best guess will have to do on the length...

[camrycurt]

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

Since by now I'd guess most of the links are long gone in our trucks, best guess will have to do on the length...

I hope this link works, but I found this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=fusable+link

where in post #7 there's a picture of a stock wire for a '72 C/10 that shows it being about 8 inches long and connecting directly to the box on the fender. NAPA sells the fusible link wires with studs attached (part #BEL 784695), so I'm going to pick up one of those this weekend and put it in.

[americanmusc1e]

I wonder if I should add fusible links to my wires going to my electric fans (set up on a relay) and soon going to my headlights (soon to be set up on relays)

[fixit-p]

I would use fuses for individual circuits, size the wire to the load and the fuse to the wire.