Ok, so I was searching for an answer didn't find one, so my question to you is this, has anyone replaced the fusible link with and inline fuse? If so, what amp fuse did you use? I burned one of the fusible links for my starter and rather than using a fusible link I wanted to put an inline fuse in place since I have to take out the burnt link and realize I would need to upgrade the wire from where the link was and since I use a Ford relay mounted on the passenger side wheel well that I installed 30+ years ago to eliminate the hot start problem these cars have always had. I want to replace both fusible links that are part of the starter system.
Has always worked perfectly plus the added benefit of having easy way of hooking up starter buttons when working under hood. So anyone have any info that would help to make it work and be safe?
Thanks.

 

You can google search the gm fusiable link color vs amp or just protect it with a fuse based on wire gauge. The downfall of doing this is your fuse will be exposed to heat and water that can lead to corrosion. Probably why people arnt doing it .

 

NAPA and Amazon, and others sell fuse link wire. Rule of thumb, fuse link wire should be 2 gauges smaller than the original wire. (You might want to go only ONE gauge smaller, depending on the original wire size.)

I just noticed Amazon has a Dorman brand 14G link for about $ 4.00

 

Another thought is there are quick disconnects available online. Could just adapt a packard/delphi weather pack connection.

 

So, after doing some research I went with the inline fuse that has weather cover to keep fuse protected from elements. I am using 30amp on the large wire that the fusible link was on that burnt. The feed wire is 10 gage and the smaller linked wire is 12 gage, that wire will have a 25amp inline fuse installed. When I did AI research for the info, says yes you can replace with inline fuse that needs 30amp fuse and the smaller on a 20-25amp fuse, also I am using Posi-Lock wire connectors which are totally removable and are super secure compared to the typical crimp connectors. As for weather, well the car is not driven, at least not on purpose, in the rain. The wires will be put back into new wire loom with heat shielding from the headers and that will also keep dry for those times I would happen to get caught in the rain. The fuses will be located right by the solenoid that is mounted on the fender well so easy access if there is a problem.

Thanks for the replies and I will see how it goes. I have a new starter to install but I need to get a good pair of wire strippers that will work in the close quarters that is back near the firewall and engine.

 

If it’s a fuse holder like this, dielectric grease around the cap bottom would probably be a good idea.

 

That is what I am using and that's a good idea for die electric grease to make easier to open the cover, thanks.

 

So I thought I would update replacing the fusible links. I have it all back together and the new inline fuses and everything is good once again. I put the new battery in and the engine cranked over fired up. At nearly 70 years old, lying on my back, that had a spinal fusion 4 years ago, is not easy or comfortable at all, but at least it's done. After owning this car since 1984, I still enjoy getting in it and driving it. It's part of the family for my wife and I.

 

Congratulations, cc on getting your car up and running again!

This is not correct. The general rule with fusible links is to go 4 gauges smaller, i.e. if the wire you are protecting is a 10awg wire, then you would use a 14awg fusible link. Here is a link to an article explaining it:

A deep dive into Fusible Link Wires

This is just one of many, many writeups about what size fusible link to use.

 

You sir are incorrect. Actually, TWO gauges smaller then than 14 AWG IS 10 AWG, There is no odd numbered gauges. Four gauges smaller than 10 gauge would be 18 gauge AWG.

 

Yes.
The entire auto industry.
I'm pretty sure not one uses fusible links anymore.

 

mike, you are correct and I stand corrected!

It’s a four number difference but that is only two wire gauges of difference.

I have the reading comprehension of a 5 yr old and that’s why I let my wife do all the reading of important documents.

 

Anyone can make a mistake. We are not perfect! MikeCeli