Fusible link wire

[Scott M.]

Hello all,
My orange fusible link wire has bit the dust. It is the one right by the wiper motor. It appears to be a 20 gauge wire. After searching through the archives on here, it appeared that a fusible link wire could be purchased at a local auto parts store. However, the wires that they seem to carry don't seem to go any smaller than 18 gauge. My question is:
Why couldn't the fusible link just be replaced with a fuse? Other than it not looking original, I think it would do just fine. And it would be a lot easier to replace. What are your thoughts? Not sure what amperage the fuse would need to be right off hand, but I'm sure that could be figured out.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fusible link wire

Hello all,
My orange fusible link wire has bit the dust. It is the one right by the wiper motor. It appears to be a 20 gauge wire. After searching through the archives on here, it appeared that a fusible link wire could be purchased at a local auto parts store. However, the wires that they seem to carry don't seem to go any smaller than 18 gauge. My question is:
Why couldn't the fusible link just be replaced with a fuse? Other than it not looking original, I think it would do just fine. And it would be a lot easier to replace. What are your thoughts? Not sure what amperage the fuse would need to be right off hand, but I'm sure that could be figured out.

If function is you main concern, there is no reason not to use an appropriately sized fuse in place of the fusible link.

That said, fusible links rarely burn up and you should be sure you know why yours operated.

[Scott M.]

Re: Fusible link wire

Not exactly sure why or when it burnt up. I haven't really operated the car in a long time. Been working on it here and there. I just got through installing my wiper motor and was plugging the wires in and put my fingers on the fusible link wire. I noticed that it didn't feel right so after further inspection, I found that it had been zapped. I just thought that replacing a fuse from one of those generic fuse holder assemblies would be easier than replacing that fusible link. Especially if I am going to have to troubleshoot the reason it blew in the first place. I found a page online http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm that stated the amp rating for a 20ga wire was 11 amps. I figure a 10 amp fuse would do the trick.

Would you by chance know which side the blue and yellow wires plug into for the wash pumpportion of the motor on a 72? The assembly manual doesnt give detail.
Thanks

[David H.]

Re: Fusible link wire

... I just thought that replacing a fuse from one of those generic fuse holder assemblies would be easier than replacing that fusible link. Especially if I am going to have to troubleshoot the reason it blew in the first place. ...

For troubleshooting that would certainly be the case, as a fusible link is designed to resist momentary current surge without blowing (temporarily heats up rather than blowing like a CB). Fusible link is usually four (4) wire sizes smaller than the wire it is designed to protect, but the insulation is a special nonflammable material allowing the wire to melt but not start a fire.

A modern replacement for fusible link wire is a "fuse element cartridge" sometimes called a "Pacific fuse".

[Dick W.]

Re: Fusible link wire

If you decide to use a fuse, get a slow blow version. They will not blow during a momentary high amperage even as will a standard fuse. You probably will not find one at your local Carquest, NAPA, Retarded Auto Parts, etc, but will have to order one

[Larry M.]

Re: Fusible link wire

Hello all,
My orange fusible link wire has bit the dust. It is the one right by the wiper motor. It appears to be a 20 gauge wire. After searching through the archives on here, it appeared that a fusible link wire could be purchased at a local auto parts store. However, the wires that they seem to carry don't seem to go any smaller than 18 gauge. My question is:
Why couldn't the fusible link just be replaced with a fuse? Other than it not looking original, I think it would do just fine. And it would be a lot easier to replace. What are your thoughts? Not sure what amperage the fuse would need to be right off hand, but I'm sure that could be figured out.

NAPA still sells the correct gage fusible link wire, but the color is black. Check their on-line catalog or let me know and I will get you the part number.

Larry

EDIT: NAPA Belden Fusible Link, 20 gage, black, 10 ft roll. Part # 785810. Cost is cheap, probably a few $.

[Joe L.]

Re: Fusible link wire

All------


Fusible link wire is also still available from GM but only in 50 foot rolls which carry a GM list price of between $30 to $50. Available sizes are 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 gauge.

[Larry M.]

Re: Fusible link wire

All------


Fusible link wire is also still available from GM but only in 50 foot rolls which carry a GM list price of between $30 to $50. Available sizes are 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 gauge.

Joe:

What color is the AC DELCO/GM 20 gage link ?? I seem to remember awhile back that the fusible link and electrical wire colors changed to new industry-wide standard colors. Old colors are below:

blue 12 gauge: p/n 612 - for protection of a 8 to 10 gauge wire
dull, dark-grey 14 gauge: p/n 614 - for protection of a 10 to 12 gauge wire
black 16 gauge: p/n 616 - for protection of a 12 to 14 gauge wire
green 18 gauge: p/n 618 - for protection of a 14 to 16 gauge wire
orange 20 gauge: p/n 620 - for protection of a 16 to 18 gauge wire

Larry

EDIT: GM Part Numbers (old numbers) for the bulk fusible link are as follows:

12 gage: GM# 6293923
14 gage: GM# 6292995
16 gage: GM# 6292996
18 gage: GM# 6293702
20 gage: GM# 6292997

[Joe L.]

Re: Fusible link wire

Joe:

What color is the AC DELCO/GM 20 gage link ?? I seem to remember awhile back that the fusible link and electrical wire colors changed to new industry-wide standard colors. Old colors are below:

blue 12 gauge: p/n 612 - for protection of a 8 to 10 gauge wire
dull, dark-grey 14 gauge: p/n 614 - for protection of a 10 to 12 gauge wire
black 16 gauge: p/n 616 - for protection of a 12 to 14 gauge wire
green 18 gauge: p/n 618 - for protection of a 14 to 16 gauge wire
orange 20 gauge: p/n 620 - for protection of a 16 to 18 gauge wire

Larry

Larry------


The 20 gauge GM wire is orange. The other available GM wires are also the colors you show above.

By the way, the GM part numbers on the wires are changing and/or certain ones are being discontinued. New part numbers MAY be of different colors.