Fuseable Link Questions - Need HELP !!!!

[JW]

I have a 72 Cheyenne Super, with all options and then some, original owner.
Problem, I installed a new Cig lighter, that was faulty, damaged the wires from the cig lighter to the battery. No harm to the fuse panel, starter, alternator, or dash, only a few damaged wires and a very krispy Fuseable Link.
This Fuseable Link is almost at the battery (+) terminal, was sealed in black rubber, in a red 12ga wire. Can not find a replacement for the Fuseable Link. Replaced the 12ga wire and installed a inline fuse, 20 amp. This worked for awhile.
Now haveing multiple problems. When engine is shut off blows new inline fuse. Disconnected the alternator. With the engine off the lights are on and the turn signal is used, blows the inline fuse. Engine off Ign on, fan blower switch turned on, blows the inline fuse.
Searched for damage to the wire looms, not a sign of even a hot wire or melted wire coverings.
I just stopped there, lost, have no idea where to begin to look.
What is this Fuseable Link, amps, ohms, voltage and where can I find one ??? I have tried all of the online 67-72 Chevy truck venders, they too have no idea what I am talking about.

Heeeelllllppppp !!!!!!!!!!


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72 Cheyenne Super, Fleetside, Shortbed,
Original Owner, Special Ordered
Northern Calif



[This message has been edited by JW (edited April 18, 2002).]

[O'l Buck]

It sounds to me like you have a wire grounding somewhere, maybe not real bad, but bad enough to blow the fuse when you put a load on it. If the little black block looking thing in the fusible link is what you're talking about, it's a heatsink, to prevent the rest of the wire from burning, the red wire itself is the fusible link and is designed to burn up when overloaded, this is available at any parts store and in several different amperages. You do not want to cut out the heatsink, but cut the link where it is burned at, will feel rubbery and possibly be discolored, add in the new piece of fusible link(I use solderless connectors with shrink wrap). But if It's blowing a 20A fuse, it will also take out the new fusible link as it serves the same purpose.

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Ol' Buck: '72 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 shortbox stepside 350/350auto on '84
ralleys and 31/10.5s

Angel girl: 67 Cutlass convertible
330, 3spd stick

Greener: 90 GMC Jimmy
350/auto
Chad Stephens
Orleans,NE

no name yet: 72 442 under serious construction

[HuggerCST]

I've tried to find the fusible link wire too, and nobody had the same guage wire. The only thing the parts houses had was much smaller. Anybody know where to buy the stuff?

[tom hand]

You should not worry about the wire size of the fusable link, but how many amps it is rated at. Personally I would stay with a fuse to replace it or one of those circuit breakers that resets itself. I don't think a 20 amp fuse is big enought to replace the fusable link. You probably need more like a 50 amp. That wire runs every accessory inside the truck,and it wouldn't take much to exceed 20 amps.

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72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail
Olive Branch MS

[Edmond]

I had one of those circuit breakers put in,
during the day I had no problem, but at night, I statred the truck, put on the lights, drove for about 10 meters, and everything went dead. Started again, drove another 10 meters, dead again. Turned out to be a 20 amp circuit breaker. Now I've got a 50 amp and had no problem ever since.

Cya,
Edmond

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1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400,
Edelbrock Victor Jr., Holley 750 cfm

1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original)

1987 VW Golf 1.8i

1983 Yamaha XS650 Heritage Special (Wife's bike)
-------------------------
Capelle a/d IJssel,
The Netherlands
http://home.hetnet.nl/~epw-awes/index.html

[JW]

Thanks everbody, you all have been a great help.
I am now inching my way through my wire looms, look for any shorts or grounds.
Searching junk yards for a truck that has a Fuseable Link still on it.
Also, checking automotive retailers for a inline circuit breaker, that resets itself, and the proper wire for the amp loads.

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72 Cheyenne Super, Fleetside, Shortbed,
Original Owner, Special Ordered
Northern Calif

[71Chev]

JW I might have one. you can have it for shipping. Email me.

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• 71 Chevy CST Long Fleet 350/350/3.07 leaf rear.

[Slick1]

I was up at O'reillys auto last night. they had two different sized fusable links, kind of universal replacement parts.

[JW]

I changed the main feed wire from the battery, to 10ga, changed the inline fuse to 50 amp. This fuse is only temporary. This seems to help. Found a minor short in one headlight connector. Before the head light work, but it was very dim, cleaned the connector contacts and reinstalled. This seemed to correct the problem, but I guess it didn't. I have now replaced the headlight, headlight connector and wires. Searched the all of the local auto stores, all of the local Chevy dealers. Chevy dealers where surprised that I had a 30 year old truck that still ran. lol Haven't found a Fuseable Link or a circuit breaker type of fuse, as yet. Going to a shop that has ben around for 40 years and specializes in auto electronics and carbs. If anyone in town has this part they will.
Frustrating to have a truck that I have worked on for 3 years only to be hindered by a electrical problem.

Thanks again for all of your help

My new 350 ci, 340 hp motor


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72 Cheyenne Super, Fleetside, Shortbed,
Original Owner, Special Ordered
Northern Calif