cucv fusible link question

[ohfisherman]

first off great site. i just purchased my first cucv (1984 blazer). i have a few quick questions. i drove the truck and it was fine, no problem starting. we went to restart it and just a click, no crank. the person starting it just held the key forward and the wiring by the starter caught fire. i bought another starter and noticed the fusible link on the firewall feels real soft and you can tell it melted. what size wire/fusible link should i replace it with? i am not that familiar with diesels so i am trying to learn all i can. what will cause the link to burn up? bad battery? bad cable? any suggestions would be appreciated. i want to get this thing on the road so bad but i have a few issues with it.

 

[319]

Check Appendix E in TM 9-2320-289-34 (find in Resources) for the wiring diagrams. Identify which fusible link went south and it will tell you the wire size.Also, I'd remove the starter and have it checked, it may be bad as well.

 

[Mike_Pop]

I've got brand new starters for sale at a very reasonable price. Check out the classified ad:

http://steelsoldiers.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=PN_zClassifieds&file=detail&cat=4&de=1996

 

[jaytee]

fusible link should be 2 gauge sizes smaller (4 numerically) than the wire it protects. If it was an 8 gauge wire, then it needs a 12 gauge fusible link. If it is a 10 gauge wire, then it needs 14 gauge fusible link. I had a hard time finding the 12 gauge link at the parts chain stores. They all seemed to stock plenty of pre-cut lengths of 14 and 16 gauge link though.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I bought a fuse holder and put that in. Next time something makes it blow it's just a fuse instead of cutting, splicing, soldering, etc.

 

[jaytee]

yeah I ended up doing something similar. With the glowplugs, I installed a 100 amp circuit breaker

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Someone suggested a breaker like the semi's used to me...right AFTER I put my fuse holder in.

 

[ohfisherman]

fuse

what size fuse do you use? i put a new starter in it and load tested the batteries. one is dead to the world, showing 11 volts and dead under a load. the other drops to about 450 amps. the link on my truck has a '16' on it. i will probably go with a fuse instead of the link. the starter looked like brand new with the exception that the selenoid pretty much melted down the side of the housing. will post as soon as i get it started. thanks for all of the advice.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

RE: fuse

I went with a 50 amp maxifuse. They cost a bit more than regular automotive fuses but it's tractor/implement/big rig approved.

 

[ohfisherman]

fuse

just a 50 amp fuse and holder? sounds easy enough. and i am assuming 16 gauge wire. gonna try it tomorrow....

 

[AJMBLAZER]

RE: fuse

Eh, mine is some heavy gauge wire. Something like 8 or so. Like I said, it was meant for heavier applications than the main 12v power line on these trucks. The fuse takes the blast at any rate.

 

[CCATLETT1984]

RE: fuse

I doubt its 8ga. maybe 12ga or 10ga.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

RE: fuse

Trust me, it is. Big wire.