86 GL Carb: Need Fusible Link Amperage's

[hisubaru]

Hi,

 

I purchased an 86 GL Carbed D/R about 6 months ago, and I've just now started working on it. One of the many problems I've come across, is all of the fusible links in the engine compartment (driver side by the battery if it matters), have been replaced by bailing wire. To me, this seems like a retarded solution. Could someone tell me the amperage rating of the fusible links that I need from the front to back (bumper to firewall), and also what each does, for curiosity's sake?

 

Thank you,

 

-Jason

[ihscout54]

Retarded and risky. The best replacement fuseable links for your car can be found for almost nothing at the junkyard. Im sure you need other things anyways. When you go and if you find them make a note where they go in what order. If you dont find your car, then find a car with 2 greens (40a) a red (50a) and a black (80a) they are just little loops of wire with female connectors on booth ends. I think if you look close enough the slots are labled with tiny lettering "green" "black" etc, cant remember on you car though. If not then the higher amp link goes on the thicker wires.

Those links are pretty simple in function, they have special fire resistant sheething and the wire is a smaller gauge than the lead in the circuit they are protecting. They are the best way of protecting against a fire from a short. They dont give like a fuse and are used in higher amp amp circuits, it takes a serious problem for them to blow. Unfortuneatly when they do go many folks dont know about them and they just stick some bailing wire in their place. Not cool.

[hisubaru]

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I think I can sort of make out the ratings, or maybe gauges? of the links on the top of the cover, but the cover is melted.

 

Thanks again.

[quartus]

Here's some more info for ya:

The numbers on the lid refer to cross section of the fusible link square mm.

 

The two greens are smallest guage .5mm squared, the single red is .85mm squared, and the single black is 1.25mm squared.

The red is for the charging circuit, the two greens links supply both the headlights & fuel pump circuits and the all important black 1.25 fusible link pretty much feeds everything in the fusebox via the ignition switch ( here's why I know http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=105444 ).

 

"Fusible link should melt within 15 seconds at a current flow of xxx amperes"

They will keep your wiring from burning up and possibly catching fire in case of a short.

 

Heres a photo of links

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=104282

Edited November 12, 2009 by quartus

[akc]

SOmeone in the history of my car rerouted the bottom one (closest to the battery)? fuable link I know only have 3 the 4th one they wired right off the battery to under the box then wherever it goes IT appears that the male connectors for the link broke?? or something. It looks like a mess to me. (I also have a 86) I would fix it but am not a wiring person and the car seems to work but have often wondered what wires go to. OR if it was a function that was disconected. Now at least I know what the wires are for. Maybe I should look up a new box. Where can you get the fusable links. I have not tried subaru dealerships as they are all over a hours drive away but I do know I cannot get them at napa.

[quartus]

The one closest to the battery is a green link and controls either the fuel pump relay or the headlights (I don't know which, you could alway disconnect it or the other green link and see if your headlights still work). The source for them is either a JY or the good folks here at USMB. BYW, the link order from front to rear is Green, Red, Green & Black.

[edrach]

SOmeone in the history of my car rerouted the bottom one (closest to the battery)? fuable link I know only have 3 the 4th one they wired right off the battery to under the box then wherever it goes IT appears that the male connectors for the link broke?? or something. It looks like a mess to me. (I also have a 86) I would fix it but am not a wiring person and the car seems to work but have often wondered what wires go to. OR if it was a function that was disconected. Now at least I know what the wires are for. Maybe I should look up a new box. Where can you get the fusable links. I have not tried subaru dealerships as they are all over a hours drive away but I do know I cannot get them at napa.

If you're looking for a new box, try the pull a part yard in Tacoma for a suitable donor car; not too far from gig harbor. If they don't have one, head south to the pick a part yard in Olympia; on the way south, try the junkyard in Nisqually...they might have what you're looking for also.

[akc]

If you're looking for a new box, try the pull a part yard in Tacoma for a suitable donor car; not too far from gig harbor. If they don't have one, head south to the pick a part yard in Olympia; on the way south, try the junkyard in Nisqually...they might have what you're looking for also.

 

 

Thanks I will try that I think having a new box in will make me feel a little better besides the old one keeps having to be messed with to get it to work about once a month i have to play with the one for the fuel system to get it working right it comes undone. (we live off a dirt road and it jounces out) I am actually out in Lakebay but listed GH as no one knows where lakebay is.