Author Topic: Fuse size (glass fuse)  (Read 8434 times)

Offline slurpee78

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Fuse size (glass fuse)
« on: June 22, 2016, 04:54:24 PM »
I'm looking for glass fuses for my 1978 C10. I went to the automotive store and saw all similar glass fuses but each with different lengths. They guy at the counter said "keep your receipt," so not much help. My best guess was too long and didn't fit. Is there a specific fuse model number or length I can know to look for?

Offline zieg85

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2016, 05:48:23 PM »
I think AGC is the size but it has been a long time since I have had that style fuse in anything
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline hatzie

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2016, 06:39:03 AM »
Eight AGC (1/4" x 1-1/4" fast blow) fuses... two 4AMP AGC, three 15AMP AGC, and three 20AMP AGC.

The 25AMP fuse should be an MDL (1/4" x 1-1/4" slow blow) for the wiper motor circuit.  You'll probably find that someone has replaced the MDL fuse with an AGC fuse.  Fast blows can blow unnecessarily in this circuit.  Motors have a much higher start than run current so you may find the previous owner has put a 30A AGC fuse in this slot or has wrapped the incorrect AGC fuse in aluminum foil because it keeps blowing out.  The MDL fuse type will either have the element wound around a fiberglass rod or it'll look like there's a spring in one end of the fuse... both of these designs dissipate heat from the short burst of, larger than rated, inrush current needed to start an electric motor.

From 1967-1975 trucks equipped with Ammeters will also have two small 4AMP SFE glass fuses in GM Delphi Packard Electric inline molded rubber holders.  These are in the engine bay on both ends of the 67-75 Ammeter shunt.  http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/Truck_gauges.html

The owners manual and the factory wiring diagrams have the amperage for each fuse panel socket if the printing has worn off the panel.
« Last Edit: June 23, 2016, 07:23:39 PM by hatzie »
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Offline slurpee78

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2016, 05:30:05 PM »
Thanks for this info, I was able to locate the appropriate fuses and install them properly!

Offline slurpee78

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2016, 04:32:44 PM »
So I replaced the busted fuse last night. Turned on the parking lights, everything worked! ........ but only for a minute, then the dash started smoking behind the gauges. I pulled the fuse. It was melting! I put a 35A instead of the proper 20A, guess that's why it didn't pop. I think there's grounding issue on the right front side marker light. I'll have to inspect that and try again.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2016, 10:39:40 AM »
That's a good way to melt your wiring harness and start a fire. Don't ever put in a bigger fuse.

It would be advisable for you to complete a thorough inspection of the wiring harness.
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Offline slurpee78

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #6 on: June 29, 2016, 12:16:36 PM »
lesson learned. luckily harness seems okay so far.


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Offline hatzie

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Re: Fuse size (glass fuse)
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2016, 01:57:25 PM »
Make sure all the fuses installed meet the original fuse specs.
You can use MDL fuses in the heater blower slot too.  Just don't exceed the amperage GM calls for.
Smoke means you were starting a fire.  You need to find the wire that was melting and fix it.
SVC & wiring mans --> Here http://tinyurl.com/7387BRD-SVCMAN or My Bucket @ http://tinyurl.com/SQ-SVCMAN
Parts & Illustr Books -->http://tinyurl.com/SqParts
GMSTG Textbooks-->http://tinyurl.com/STG-TEXTBK
Radio Manuals-->http://tinyurl.com/DELCORADSVC