fusable link size

[oldolds]

in my 1980 olds cutlass there is suppose to have two fusable links coming off the starter mine has none just 14 gauge wire so no protection. not good!!! what size is the fusable links suppose to be?

 

[oldsmobile joe]

iirc, usable links are two gauge sizes smaller than the wire your working with. by being smaller, it will burn up or melt before the rest of the wiring is damaged.
joe

 

[pontiacgp]

I would use a wire 4 gauges smaller and I would get a wire that is made to be used as a fusible link. The covering on the fusible link should not catch fire or melt.

http://www.madelectrical.com/catalog/fusible-link.shtml

 

[oldsmobile joe]

Pontiacgp is correct on both. He answered before I could verify. Here is info from 1980 olds service manual service manual.

 

[airboatgreg]

I see it in writing but all my years as a tech and Delco-Tech shop owner it was 2 sizes smaller. I replaced many that way

 

[oldsmobile joe]

I always get confused on this issue, even back in tech school. i believe we are all correct. wire sizes only come in even numbers (10,12,14,16, etc), so if its two wire sizes smaller, it would be 4 numbers smaller. i.e., 10 gauge wire uses a 14 gauge wire as a fusable link? i say this because i can't see using a 18 gauge wire for a fusable link on a 10 gauge wire.
does this make sense, or I'm i just confusing myself?
joe

 

[pontiacgp]

I wouldn't use an 18 gauge for a 10 gauge wire, it would heat up too much and I think it could burn giving you a false indication of a problem. I agree that a 2 gauge difference should work fine but I would make sure the quality of the 12 and 10 gauge wire. Here is a good chart that givers you the specs on wires...

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

 

[oldolds]

so i should go to an auto parts srore and get fusable link wires. it should say on the package.

 

[pontiacgp]

parts store should have it but I would phone first. The statute of limitations have expired so I can tell you I "borrowed" some 20 amp aircraft breakers when I worked in an aircraft plant and used them instead of fusible links in my 74 GP. These are slow burning breakers that can be reset and I thought looked cool with the other "borrowed" breakers I was using...

 

[Clutch]

parts store should have it but I would phone first. The statute of limitations have expired so I can tell you I "borrowed" some 20 amp aircraft breakers when I worked in an aircraft plant and used them instead of fusible links in my 74 GP. These are slow burning breakers that can be reset and I thought looked cool with the other "borrowed" breakers I was using...

My jet boat had them