It burned the wire in two

[joekewl_chevyfreak]

Didn't know that was a fusable link, some yahoo hooked my battery up backwards one day for a second and almost fried it >_< I've also seen where the positive post was so close to the body that the current bridged and caused smoke from that link, just an fyi, gl

[71 super]

Fusable link. Loss of power no lights no start etc. Have you messed around with the wiring- radio etc? YOu have a MAJOR short if the fusable link went whick means you need to check the trucks wiring out.... You are lucky if you replace the link wire be sure to replace with fusable link wire if not you will watch your whole truck burn down if you do get the short fixed or us the wrong wire. Help line in any parts store has new fusable link wire for a couple of dollars. Good luck.

[ChevLoRay]

The picture is good, but backing away from it a bit would help me be able to focus on it better. My interpretation is still the same as in my earlier post. It's the positive wire that leads from the positive cable to the junction block on the right inner fender. The wire that also connects to that junction block goes across the radiator support, contained in the plastic channel that is attached to the top of the support, along with other wires related to the lighting circuit. Once it has traversed the radiator support, it is attached to the alternator, to supply it with 12V.

If the wire has burned, then it has become grounded. Plain and simple. It could be that something within the channel has pierced the insulation on it, or maybe you know what happened to cause it to become grounded and to burn.

My take on this is that you need to replace the front wiring harness assembly. It's somewhere in the $60-80 range. All of the terminals are designed to fit right back onto where the old ones come off. It may sound like one of those next-to-impossible-for-ME-to-do tasks, but it's not hard. Don't be intimidated by it. It's really easy to do.

[70' GMC]

Originally Posted by 71 super

Fusable link. Loss of power no lights no start etc. Have you messed around with the wiring- radio etc? YOu have a MAJOR short if the fusable link went whick means you need to check the trucks wiring out.... You are lucky if you replace the link wire be sure to replace with fusable link wire if not you will watch your whole truck burn down if you do get the short fixed or us the wrong wire. Help line in any parts store has new fusable link wire for a couple of dollars. Good luck.

What is a fuseable link and do you have a picture of it???

[ChevLoRay]

If you'd had a fusible link within the wire that burned, it would have burned. You can buy one and add it to your wiring, but these trucks didn't have one as far as I can remember.

A fusible link will look quite a bit similar to a regular wire but be kinda wavy or wrinkled-looking. Their purpose is to limit the amount of current that will flow through a circuit without having it to burn up/melt/etc.

I prefer a circuit breaker or a fuse.

[71 super]

I am having problems resizing, send me your email an I will send you a photo I just took of the link in my 4x4's new front harness for you. A New front harness from factory fit for your truck is actually about $130, you might be able to find a used front for less, but I do not trust 36 year old wires especially if "someone" has made some type of mickey mouse repairs in the past.

[Andy4639]

From what I can see it's the Positive wire that has burnt into at the junction on the passenger side fender. This wire shouldn't be grounded at all. This is the hot for all the lights in the truck ChevLoRay is absultly correct. Something in that wire loom has grounded or the block has grounded out.

[70' GMC]

Originally Posted by 71 super

I am having problems resizing, send me your email an I will send you a photo I just took of the link in my 4x4's new front harness for you. A New front harness from factory fit for your truck is actually about $130, you might be able to find a used front for less, but I do not trust 36 year old wires especially if "someone" has made some type of mickey mouse repairs in the past.

www.travisshaw1988@gmail.com

[IvelDesigns]

am i missing something? just replace the wire that fried with a similar wire of the same size and connect to to the same place each end of the old wire was connected to.

btw, loved the wiring diagram

[70' GMC]

voltage regulator???????

[joekewl_chevyfreak]

this a better picture?

[Lated]

Originally Posted by cparman

Electrical systems in our trucks, like ALL cars and trucks from this era will seek the least path of resistance.

That's true, not just for cars/trucks from this era, but electricity period.

[70' GMC]

Originally Posted by joekewl_chevyfreak

this a better picture?

thats what mine looks like and would it happen to be the voltage regulator? cause I put a brand new one on last year

[71 super]

Chevloray if you will look at the wiring diagram posted earlier you can see the fusable link in the diagram, it is the main power source coming from the junction box on the fender, the other wire with the fuse holder is the fuse for the amp guage. From Travis' description the voltag regulator surged as it went out causing a overload on the system and burned the fusable link losing all power to the truck hence no lights, start, or other power. He needs to get the alternator checked, replace the regulator and fusable link if he wants it to run again.

[70' GMC]

it wont crank so what do I have to get. Its not firing what so ever. Its more like what the heck did I mess up on it now

[Tx Firefighter]

Dude, stop and read the replies. Your fusible link has burned. With no intact fusible link, there is no way it will start, or crank, or the wipers work....

Fix the fusible link and worry about what caused it to melt in the first place.

Or, find a good mechanic, your choice.

[rambler]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Or, find a good mechanic, your choice.

good idea....




I can't believe there are not board members somewhat near you? maybe one of them can help you, and you can learn some stuff as well working with them..

[MDC]

Travis
look at post #13. Find the battery in the picture. There is a #6 wire that goes from the battery to the starter. Now look at post #36. This is the large black wire in the picture. Go back to post #13 and find the black #16 fusible link. Return to post #36. This is the small black wire that goes from the same place as the big wire is on the battery to the junction block in the fender. This #16 fusible link is burnt, just as any other fuse will. You may or may not be able to see it, but you should be able to bend this wire a little and find a soft spot in it. Go to the parts store and have the alternator and regulator tested. Buy a replacement if either is bad. Tell them you need some #16 fusible link and some connectors, they should know what you are talking about and get you set up. Once you get home replace this piece and look for any othr shorts in the wiring near the fender that got hit. If you have a short, it will continue to burn your fusible link until you repair the short.

[ChevLoRay]

Isn't this the same truck that got hit on the right side back in the spring?

71 Super, I did not look at the wiring diagram. I see it....never gave it any thought. If my truck had had one a few years ago, I wouldn't have had the melted wiring and the burned fingers!

I'll take my licks, with a wet noodle.

[Wootdog]

Where is Whiteville, North Carolina? I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. depending on the distance I could come and fix it for you.
Kerry

[MDC]

Pretty good ride, but nice offer.
http://maps.google.com/maps?source=i...num=1&ct=image

[70' GMC]

I opened it and the fuse is really small

[71 super]

That is not it, that is the inline fuse for the amp guage. The fuseable link is the other wire that comes out right beside it. DO as MDC says and get the stuff checked, this is pretty simpl stuff, read the responses and look at the wiring diagram or print a copy and take it to school and get your shop teacher to explain it to you.