Can a fusible link be repaired?
Fusible links can be frustrating to diagnose and repair, because their damage can be impossible to detect with a simple visual inspection. Once you locate it, you can replace the length of wire with a fusible link that matches the gauge of wire called for by the original design.
Do you need a fuse between alternator and battery?
Fuses are installed to protect wires from an overload, meaning that the draw (amps) from the load (appliance) exceeds the capacity of the wire (the size or gauge). Under this premise, the only way an alternator needs a fuse is if either the battery or the alternator itself experiences a dead short.
Why do fusible links go bad?
Fusible links work off of heat in the wire (resistance). Too high a resistance, the wire in the fusible link melts and creates an open (like blowing a fuse). It is possible that after many years of use and power through the wire that it indeed didn’t have the same load capacity as a brand new one.
What causes charging system failure?
Another common problem that can cause the charging system to fail is a broken alternator belt or one that is worn so bad it slips badly. If the alternator works properly but the belt doesn’t spin it fast enough, the voltage output can drop and cause the system to act as though the alternator doesn’t work.
Is there a way to replace a fusible link?
Replacing a Fusible Link Replacing a link is as straightforward as cutting out the broken link and installing a new one. Many fusible links now come with a crimp connector pre-installed, which simplifies the installation process.
What is the purpose of a fusible link?
(Image/CorvetteForum.com) Fusible links—also spelled fuseable and fusable—serve a similar purpose to a fuse. (You can read more about fuses here .) Just like a fuse, the link is designed to handle a lower current (amp) load than the rest of the system so, in the event of a short or overload, the link will be the first failure point.
Why are fusible links impossible to diagnose?
Fusible links can be frustrating to diagnose and repair, because their damage can be impossible to detect with a simple visual inspection. Additionally, given that they’re designed to interact with high-current electrical components, when they fail, they often lead to a no-start condition.
Which is easier to install, fuse block or fusible link?
But certain automotive components require momentary higher peak current levels depending, so a fixed-rating fuse may not be ideal. Fusible links are also cheaper and easier to install than a dedicated fuse block, which is why you see them in OE applications.