fusable link fried by my headlights... any thoughts why?

[thedoctorisin]

So pretty much the story is in the title. Was cruising last night and noticed I couldnt see the guy in front of me.

I've seen a couple posts similar to this but no solutions that seemed legit. I haven't done any changes to the wiring they just started to flicker and then they died. The link burned through between the little white plastic part and the battery.

My concern is that there is something causing the system to fail, in which case I want to fix that before I replace the link.

I noticed that there is a little crack in the material that is around the light switch itself where you can turn the knob to dim the lights. Could that cause a short after time?

Also, the flashers, blinkers, brake lights, interior lights all work just no running lights.

Could the link just have crapped out after 33 years and burned up?

I thought about upgrading to the later style of light switch if its easy. Anyone do that one?

 

[joe79carlo]

i had my link burn on me the same way on my 79 monte carlo i then removed the fusable links all together and installing a fuse block in its place, i havent had any problems everything works great 😀

 

[woody31]

i would say that after 33 yrs thats probably why i would just relace it and check all others while you are there
should be a easy fix cheers 8)

 

[thedoctorisin]

Went ahead and replaced it and no fires yet...

Must be a full moon because my 700r4 just lost 3rd and 4th gear. Anyway, thanks for the info. One problem solved now I need to solve this next massive mess.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Old age of wiring, high resistance in the headmalp switch, poor grounds all will contribute to high draw.

Best method IMO is to wire headlamps direct to battery through relay triggered by headlamp switch. This avoids sending all that current through the switch. Plus side is usually lamps are brighter than before.

 

[thedoctorisin]

I like the sound of that. Anyone make the switch from pull knob to the rocker style switch?