When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I kind of hate fusible links. Not because they don't work, but because to me they can be a pain.
Easy to find replacement link sections, or even rolls of fusible link wire, but cutting and splicing and crimping and soldering seem awkward to me. But then, I haven't really tried it many times, as I've replaced some with fuses instead, and the one I did replace successfully was like cheating. It was a Toyota Celica and the whole section of charge wire was available new from Toyota for a few bucks, so was a no-brainer!
I'm guessing that "Z" section on yours is not easily replaced as a whole? Sorry I can't help with it specifically.
Interested to hear what others have to say that have worked with fusible links more closely.
Thanks for the that. An actual fused replacement seems ideal. Someone has the info on why factory did it this way.
Looking forward to see what others have done also.
Another question is all the electrical tape around the wire harness necessary?
Seems to me that zip ties around the plastic shielding is sufficient.
I'd say the tape has more advantages than disadvantages, but ultimately it's up to you.
Agree that for holding in place a zip tie is fine and easy. But the tape keeps the weather out more effectively than just the corrugated split-loom does by itself.
However, when most of us put things together I'd wager that tape is the last thing on our minds!
Just don't use electrical tape. Use specialized harness tape so it does not turn into a messy sticky goo after the first few drives.
I think there are other reasons as well (including cost most likely) because they still use fusible links to this day. Or at least they did up to a few years ago? Have not looked under the hood of a brand new Ford, so can't say for sure. Hmm, haven't even bothered to look under the hood of the new Chevy 1500 I'm driving yet! Gonna' have to remedy that shortsight.
Ford has twin-link sections at the end of the charge cable. The cable itself is 6ga or 4ga depending on application, and the twin link wires are whatever gauge they are using, spliced on to the main cable.
My Explorer ('98 vintage) installation is utilizing the stock Explorer charge cable with fusible links. If it ever sacrifices it's life doing it's job, I have a Mega-Fuse holder ready to take it's place.
No, they now have an underhood fuse box with big giant fuses and relays in them. This is not new. My 2006 Ford Freestyle has such a setup and my 2000 Expedition did, too.
Good to know, thanks. I was aware of the big fuse and relay boxes, but had not seen the "charge wire" fuse if that's what they call it?
The 2001 Explorer (last year for the 5.0) was still using the same setup as my '98, so maybe that's right around the time of the change-over to a different form of protection. Explorer kept it because it was an older platform with the older engine maybe. While the newer design vehicles already had the new style.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
