Fusible link update

[Pomorza]

Ladies and Gents

This morning I was looking up a few electrical things about the Z and stubled upon this. Has anyone done this? I don't mind using the stock set up I just find that this looks a bit nicer and makes it easier to figure out if the fusible links are the problem.

Any suggestions,commnets etc welcomed

Thanks

Jan

[TomoHawk]

It really bothers me that people think fusible links are the same thing as fuses. Fuses burn away very quickly (or pop) and fusible links get very warm or hot before melting, like a circuit breaker. :sick:Fuses don't tolerate more current than their rating, and fuse links will take a while before melting.

Studying the wiring diagrams, you can see that the fusible links are used for certain things like the headlamp system, and the ignition system,and the fuses only for individual things like the fuel pump, Defogger, or Radio. So they are clearly two different things.

If people want to "upgrade" to anything, it should be circuit breakers that have to be manually reset, because you want a circuit to be deactivated when there is a problem, and after fixing the problem, the circuit is manually re-activated. A normal circuit breaker closes after it cools, so that's usually bad.

These seem to be the thing to use in the Maxi block to replace the fuses, and are manually reset.

Edited December 29, 2012 by TomoHawk

[240260280z]

Hi Tomohawk,

That is a great link! Thanks!

Here is another similar but not well known solution that can help in some special applications: http://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/Files/Littelfuse/Technical%20Resources/Documents/Data%20Sheets/313_315.pdf

[Mikes Z car]

TomoHawk,

The PO of my car put in a 40A cartridge fuse to replace the fusible link. I plan to replace the fuse with a 16 Ga fusible link as I understand that was the original fusible link gauge on a 70 240Z. The wire I got has printed on it 16 Ga fusible however I remember seeing a thread on fusible links where ratings were by color. That never made sense to me. Someone mentioned a harness engineer determines what size link is needed, but why use colors instead of gauge? Maybe to prevent someone from substituting ordinary 16 Ga wire for a 16 Ga fusible link thereby ignoring the safety feature fusible links are supposed to have where they don't throw molten metal around when they burn out because of special hi temperature insulation?

Blue, slow blow fuses probably burn faster than a fusible link?

Edited December 29, 2012 by Mikes Z car

[240260280z]

Hi Mike,

I am not sure of the burn through rates of fusible links but the slo-blow fuses in the link above have a max/min time. They are convenient for circuits like wiper motors that have a big in-rush only on start-up.

[Zed Head]

The wire size and color are shown in the Body Electrical chapter of the FSM, in diameter not gauge. The capacity of the links commonly referred to for the fusible links "upgrade" is apparently based on estimates. Not trying to stir up old discussions, it's been discussed in depth before. It's just the state of the situation, anyone modifying their car based on internet information should verify veracity and is ultimately responsible for any problems incurred.

[EuroDat]

I dont know why poeple replace fusable links with fuses, unless the base holder is melted or damaged in some way. They ar still available and I carry spares (old originals and extra new set) just in case.

If you did change to fuses then you should use "slow blow" or also commonly known as anti-surge fuses.

I have a 77 280Z. Like the photo in the atlanticz link in post #1 my sticker is ??? ( IGN (G).

Anyone know where you can get these "fusable link holder" stickers?

Chas

[TomoHawk]

People mistakenly equate "Fusible link" with fuse, so that's where the whole problem emits. Further, fuses are "more easily replaceable" and available than fuse links, so they go out and buy & install the maxi black, which incidentally isn't easy to open, compared to the simply pulling off the fusible link cover.

Somehow modern equals better, no matter what it is? Most people don't even know that modern vehicles have fusible links too? They are in there somewhere and are used for the same reasons as on the Zs, but only the main fuses and circuit breakers/relays are visible when you open the bonnet or drivers door on the modern vehicles.

[Pomorza]

Tomohawk

Thanks for clear up. I always invisioned that fuses and fusible links were pretty much the same. I don't have a problem with my fusible links (they're all new) but just felt like getting an opinion if the option I showed was visible. Clearly it isn't.

Thanks

Jan

[TomoHawk]

With the exception of the L-Jetronic fuel injection system, the electrical system of Z cars is very simple, and reliable, as long as it remains in good condition, which we know isn't an easy thing, but it is possible.

The only real upgrade to the electrical system would be to replace it with all new wiring (based on the original diagrams) and new connectors and components. Then it would be as nice and reliable as any new car, so you then only have to worry about the bodywork.

Edited December 30, 2012 by TomoHawk