Question Regarding Fusible Links and Fuses.

[87gtVIC]

I am in the process of figuring out a fuse box configuration that fits my needs.

Pete (85crownHPP) has done the swap himself and used maxi fuses for the Electronic Engine Control power wires originally coming from the starter solenoid.

My 86 EVTM tells me that the two powers for the EEC are protected by an 18 gauge fusible link and a 20 gauge fusible link. According to the fusible link rule this means that the actual wire gauge heading to the EEC are 16 gauge and 14 gauge respectively. This also means that the two are only really capable of handling 22 amps and 32 amps, again respectively.

Taking all of the above into account I don't really see a need to have these wires protected by a maxi fuse and would much rather use a "normal" sized fuse to do so. Am I wrong in believing this? If so, why?

[87gtVIC]

Sorry I used posted the wire gauges after the fusible link sizes incorrectly. It should read "According to the fusible link rule this means that the actual wire gauge heading to the EEC are 14 gauge and 16 gauge respectively. This also means that the two are only really capable of handling 32 amps and 22 amps, again respectively." I am sure it would have been understood anyway.

[85crownHPP]

I'd like to know too, lol. I think maxi fuses aslo double as 'slow-blow' fuses, they are less susceptible to spikes I think... I dunno.
I'm pretty sure I just wound up using 30, 40, and 50 amp maxis in relation to the 3 sizes of fuse links I had. It was so long ago... at least its still holding up!

[gadget73]

no special reason to no, but I think Pete's right about the fuse reaction time. The maxi fuses likely pop slower, probably more like a fuse link would react.

What fuse box are you using? I'd like to do this on my car, mostly because several of the stock links have been replaced by bits of speaker wire, and its a general CF over there with the tow package and auto-level harnesses. I've got 2 extra bundles that most folks don't have, plus the stereo and alternator feeds.

[87gtVIC]

Thain did you mean "no special reason to not"

If that is the case, then I am going to go for it.

And I am using the exact same type Pete is using. Think its from an aero panther. From his pictures the box looked bigger that it was, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how nice and tiny it really is when it arrived at my house.

It has a dedicated circuit breaker spot (perfect for the power windows) 4 relay spots as well as a bunch maxi and standard size fuse slots. It is just a bitch to remove the connectors, I broke two locking tabs. I almost cried lol.

Here are some pictures:

[91grandmarquis]

When we pulled the interior out of my dads 98 GM (truck to clear up any confusion) we broke maybe 8 of the metal tabs holding the interior in, some were bent over from the factory. Turns out those tiny metal clips are 5 bucks a pop.

[87gtVIC]

Well I ended up using a 50 amp maxi fuse for one of the EEC's because it turned out to have a 14 gauge wire as well as a 16 gauge wire attached together on the same fusible link, and I used a 25 for the other EEC power. Nothing blew.

[gadget73]

you're better off under-fusing things than over fusing them. You want that thing to pop before the wiring does. Might be worth it to hang an ammeter in there to monitor what that particular circuit actually draws and fuse 25% more than that.

[1987cp]

:bump:

So did you end up replacing all the fuse links at the starter solenoid with maxi-fuses? What about that funny thermal breaker or whatever that the one yellow wire goes to?

[87gtVIC]

Maxi fuses for the most part. NO idea what you are talking about regarding yellow wire.

[1987cp]

One of the wires that goes back into the cabin goes into a breaker thingy which in turn attaches to a ring terminal that attaches to the solenoid stud. Presumably someone decided to use a breaker instead of a fusible link, and it'd be approximately as well off just going through a fuse. It's the yellow wire visible in this pic: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/attachme...6&d=1281041956

Did you just choose your fuse ratings according to a wire-gauge guide?

[87gtVIC]

I had a cb with a yellow wire that was for the power windows. Maybe that is what yours does too?.

And yes to your question.

[1987cp]

Hm, power windows ... yep, that's what it seems to be. Odd that that'd have a breaker when everything else has a fuse link. No biggie, looks like we can get "Maxi breakers" in a variety of ratings.

I wonder what Bussman means by "auto reset" versus "modified reset" .....

[sly]

auto reset requires no touching it... just cool down. Modified reset requires killing power for it to reset.


This is post 1111
make a wish :p