stickychinsac

Ok so 2 weeks ago I swapped to long tube headers. A mistake was made during installation and the starter wire welded to the header and melted the battery wires. I replaced the pos and neg battery cables and started the car, everything was fine. I finished tightening down the power to the starter which was only hand tight to test it and when I tried to start it the engine turned over for half a second and then everything went black. No gauges, no lights, nothing has power. I can't find any wires that look bad, I can't find anything. Any ideas where to look? I'm at a complete loss.

DaveyDug

iTrader: (3)

Fusible link?

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

they are connected to the starter positive cable.

stickychinsac

So would that cut power to everything in the car? I see there are a couple fusable links off the starter. How can I test them? They are locked in a black plastic block of some kind so visual seems out of the question. There's another fusable link going to a junction post by the battery, there's power there, I tested that before I hooked up the starter wire but I don't know what all gets power from there. My fan and msd box I believe but there's several small wires.

DaveyDug

iTrader: (3)

Yes, a bad fusible link will kill power to the entire car, just as you described.

I'm not well versed on testing them, but I would imagine a resistance or continuity check across the link would tell you whether it was blown.

Someone else may be able to provide more detail.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

the easiest and safest way is to disconnect the battery and test them with a ohm meter. Start from the positive lug of the starter and pierce the sheathing of the wire. Making a small hole like with a safety pin. Damaging the insulation will eventually cause the copper to get wet and corrode.

stickychinsac

​​​​​​I tested everything and I got power through them but it was drawing down when some were connected. I ended up finding a broken ground and a poor ground. I put eyes on them before and somehow overlooked the issue. Not a total loss, I learned more about the way the car is wired so cleaning it up this winter will go a little smoother.