74 starter fusible link

[Martin K.]

I have fried the fusible link located at the starter/solenoid. I understand it is a 14awg fusible link, it used to be brown with two nice rubber type insulators/connectors at either end; it is now black, crispy and broke.I have searched the archives but haven't found any thread that can help me locate a supplier for this particular fusible link. I have checked out the Napa site but these are nothing like my link.Can anyone help me with a supplier please?

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

I have fried the fusible link located at the starter/solenoid. I understand it is a 14awg fusible link, it used to be brown with two nice rubber type insulators/connectors at either end; it is now black, crispy and broke.I have searched the archives but haven't found any thread that can help me locate a supplier for this particular fusible link. I have checked out the Napa site but these are nothing like my link.Can anyone help me with a supplier please?

Martin------


I don't know of any source for the fusible link of the exact configuration used in PRODUCTION. It's possible that it's supplied as part of an engine wiring harness available from M&H Electrical Fabricators but I'm not even sure of that.

[Martin K.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

Thanks Joe, I had a look through their on-line catalogue but couldn't find a match. I may need to buy the particular harness that includes the fusible link. I will shoot them an email anyway on the off chance they can supply a less expensive option.

[Jim T.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

Martin I have searched for some time now for the original type fusible link that is in the wire from the alternator plug-in for my 1970. I have not found an exact match from automotive parts stores. I will have to find a donor cars's wiring from salvage/junk car establishment. I have contacted the new wiring harness business and it is not sold as a separate wire. A rebuilt alternator that was installed while on a road trip fried my original fusible link immediately on start up. The fusible link did its job in saving my wiring.

[Edward J.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

I have fried the fusible link located at the starter/solenoid. I understand it is a 14awg fusible link, it used to be brown with two nice rubber type insulators/connectors at either end; it is now black, crispy and broke.I have searched the archives but haven't found any thread that can help me locate a supplier for this particular fusible link. I have checked out the Napa site but these are nothing like my link.Can anyone help me with a supplier please?

Martin, have you looked at lectric limited? I know I installed the starter wire harness on a 80 corvette L-48, I am not sure if its the same.

[Martin K.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

Hi Edward, yes I checked out their site and it appears that I would need to purchase a whole harness. They actually state on their website that apart from the limited range of 'repair components' (which does not include the fusible link I require), they do not offer wiring harness repair items for a number of reasons. I can see their point but it doesn't help me, I don't want to rip out an otherwise perfect original harness from a 13K mile car (aside from the extra work) or cut up a new $209 harness for 6 inches of wire.........not yet anyway! I'll keep hunting for now.

[Martin K.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

Hi Jim, thankfully it appears that my fusible link did its job also (haven't chased out everything as yet). Unfortunately I don't have easy access to the US junkyards as I am in Australia otherwise I would definitely be hunting there as I know you can find some excellent quality parts if you are prepared to put the time in. I hunted the junkyards down here many years ago when rebuilding the engine harness in my other 74, a lot of the clips and plugs are generic GM items so even some of the Aussie stuff was identical to my Corvette. As I said, it was some time ago and the cars were of the same vintage so a lot of these old cars have been crushed or even restored aka harder to find now, having said that, it is still an option be it time consuming so I am doing the internet thing first.

[John H.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

Hi Edward, yes I checked out their site and it appears that I would need to purchase a whole harness. They actually state on their website that apart from the limited range of 'repair components' (which does not include the fusible link I require), they do not offer wiring harness repair items for a number of reasons. I can see their point but it doesn't help me, I don't want to rip out an otherwise perfect original harness from a 13K mile car (aside from the extra work) or cut up a new $209 harness for 6 inches of wire.........not yet anyway! I'll keep hunting for now.

Martin -

Here in the U.S., fusible links are a common item in auto parts stores - they come in several gauges, and most already have the big ring terminal on one end and a straight tubular crimp terminal on the other end. They don't have the same appearance as the original factory link with the molded-over splice connections, but are functionally identical. Typical example shown below.


FusibleLink.JPG

[Martin K.]

Re: 74 starter fusible link

Martin -Here in the U.S., fusible links are a common item in auto parts stores - they come in several gauges, and most already have the big ring terminal on one end and a straight tubular crimp terminal on the other end. They don't have the same appearance as the original factory link with the molded-over splice connections, but are functionally identical. Typical example shown below.[ATTACH=CONFIG]54224[/ATTACH]

Hi John,It is looking more likely that I will go down this path. I have found the correct specification wire in the correct colour in the U.S. but it looks like I will need to replicate the connectors. Thanks.