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one of the fusible links in my 71 has either blown or broken and it feels open right where it joins the normal wire before the thick black insulaor. How do I replace the fuse? Just cut out the insulator and splice the fuse to the wire? Or is there a more proper method? Also, where can I get a replacement fuse if it is needed? Thanks Chris
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Re: fusible link replacement
Chris------
A fusible link is nothing more than an insulated stranded copper wire of a gauge size smaller than the remaining wiring in that particular circuit. Actually, you can use regular wire for this purpose. GM sells "fusible link" wiring, but it only is supplied in rather large rolls. I will supply the part numbers later when I can get at them.
Also, you can find "fusible link" wiring in most good automotive supply stores. But, like I said, it is really no different than ordinary automotive wire.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: fusible link replacement
Do not put regular wire in place of a fuse link. Fuse link wire is special wire designed to "melt" in case the circuit it is protecting is overloaded. Always protect the circuit with TWO guages smaller than the main wire. If a 10 gu. wire is the main wire, then use a 14 gu. fuse link wire. Always solder the connections together, it is best to use heat shrink tubing at each connection. Most auto parts stores sell small lengths, usually made by either Dorman, Help or Standard Motor Products. Also, the length should be no more than approx. 6". I hope this helps. JoeComment
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Re: fusible link replacement
joe is correct about fusable links the insulation is also different, on my 69 I cut the black ends off drilled them out slid them back over the main wire soldered in the new link which you can get in the correct color mine were an orange color then used a little weather strip adhesive for weather protection and slid the black butt ends back over the repair almost undetectableComment
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Re: fusible link replacement
Chris-----
First off and to avoid any confusion, when I said that a fusible link was a "smaller gauge size" than the rest of the wire in the circuit, I did NOT mean the NEXT smaller gauge size. The proper gauge size for any fusible link is the gauge size of the fusible link which is "blown" and it will always be a smaller gauge size than the rest of the wiring. Generally, this will be 2 gauge sizes smaller, but it could vary in special situations.
The GM part numbers for "fusible link" wire are as shown below:
12077140----10 gauge-----50 feet
6293923-----12 gauge-----50 feet
6292995-----14 gauge-----50 feet
6292996-----16 gauge-----50 feet
6293702-----18 gauge-----50 feet
6292997-----20 gauge-----50 feet
12077141----22 gauge-----50 feet
Some of the above part numbers may have been superceded (I don't have my current parts references available to me at the moment), but will be obtainable by using these numbers.
Also, the following note appears in the GM parts reference regarding this wire:
"This wire is suitable for both fusible link & general automotive low tension wire repairs"In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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