No power at all

[80zx WA]

My 80zx has zero power. I'm guessing the battery cable is corroded. I had connection issues with the positive cable previously. The fusible link is also shot. Where's the best place to get parts that fit all three cables into a new positive terminal?

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[Zed Head]

The auto parts store.  Seriously.  Get fusible links from MSA.  You can get cables there too.  Get a meter while you're there so you won't have to guess.  Not kidding.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/classic12h01e

[80zx WA]

Simple enough! . Thank you. I wasn't sure if the parts store universal parts would work. Glad it will.


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[Zed Head]

You could tell a little more about your car if you wanted more specific advice.  It looks like you're at the "nothing happens when I turn the key on" stage.

[80zx WA]

That's all the advice I needed (so far). The terminal and cable were pretty badly corroded, so now I'll be heading to the parts store to get replacements. The fusible link smoked when I knocked the battery on the strut housing when installing a new battery. The acid landed on the link wire and started smoking. (Smh) smooth move on my part.


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[80zx WA]

this wire had battery acid drop on it and began smoking. My vents immediately stopped blowing ANY air at all. Once the car started, more smoke and a burning smell began. I'm not sure what this wire is called. Seems to lead to a harness? The fusible link (second photo) is now split in half. It's labeled "B" (ACC). Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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[Zed Head]

Battery acid is a very good conductor.  When it ate through the insulation and contacted the wires it short-circuited them.  You need to split the insulation off of the wires, make sure the copper is intact, clean them up with water (maybe with a little baking soda to neutralize the acid), dry them, and re-insulate them.  You can use electrical tape (if you do it right), or you can cut them, install shrink tubing, reconnect them, and shrink the tubing over the exposed wire.  Easier than it sounds, with the right tools.  Tape probably isn't a great way to do it because the wires are in a bad place and will probably get wet.

The fusible link did its job when the sort circuit happened.  Fix the short circuit, then replace the link.  "B" is just the color.  Black.  "Acc" means Accessory, which is the circuit that your blower motor and other things are on.

[80zx WA]

You're awesome! Man, I'm nowhere near what you would call a mechanic, but I've been building this Z without any help. Up to this point, I've been pretty successful. Electricity is not my friend. . Thank you much for the information.


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