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Electrical / Re: Fusible link or grounds?
« Last post by Chanman09 on March 16, 2026, 11:27:16 pm »Forgot to update y’all
I went out to the truck and started checking grounds. I took a flappy wheel and hit the alternator bracket for the main ground and also the frame and block in the front part of the engine bay.
I jacked up the truck to follow my red cable to the starter and checked it was clear of any pinches or frays. It was fine.
I then went to checking starter connections.
Poor little fusible links fell off in my hand. They looked like drowned worms when you fish without catching anything. They’re from 1986. And they sat in a field from 1996 until 2023. And I’ve dropped and replaced the starter more times than I’d like to remember over my tenure due to numerous reasons, but the main one being exhaust manifold problems.
I got up top and pulled the metal tube that houses all those wires that go down there and checked continuity between the new end if the wires and the junction area where the wires parted ways.
I got out the ol soldering iron and shrink wrap and found the right gauge wire to make new fusible links. The tricky one was the Y shaped link that was just a pain to get soldered solid. I needed an extra hand.
I got everything wrapped after checking new continuity and decided to put a ford style solenoid on the firewall. I debated on this, but I’m not lying about those dang exhaust manifolds. There’s no room for anything and I didn’t want to chance pinching or burning my new fix, so I did the dastardly deed of modifying and using a ford idea on the ol square. I know…I know. Please limit your vegetables being thrown to soft tomatoes.
I double checked that everything worked a few times and mounted the wires in a more eyeball friendly manner and haven’t had any issues yet.
I got a newer, larger fire extinguisher to carry in the cab, and I’m glad the old links did their job.
Thank you all for the help!!
I went out to the truck and started checking grounds. I took a flappy wheel and hit the alternator bracket for the main ground and also the frame and block in the front part of the engine bay.
I jacked up the truck to follow my red cable to the starter and checked it was clear of any pinches or frays. It was fine.
I then went to checking starter connections.
Poor little fusible links fell off in my hand. They looked like drowned worms when you fish without catching anything. They’re from 1986. And they sat in a field from 1996 until 2023. And I’ve dropped and replaced the starter more times than I’d like to remember over my tenure due to numerous reasons, but the main one being exhaust manifold problems.
I got up top and pulled the metal tube that houses all those wires that go down there and checked continuity between the new end if the wires and the junction area where the wires parted ways.
I got out the ol soldering iron and shrink wrap and found the right gauge wire to make new fusible links. The tricky one was the Y shaped link that was just a pain to get soldered solid. I needed an extra hand.
I got everything wrapped after checking new continuity and decided to put a ford style solenoid on the firewall. I debated on this, but I’m not lying about those dang exhaust manifolds. There’s no room for anything and I didn’t want to chance pinching or burning my new fix, so I did the dastardly deed of modifying and using a ford idea on the ol square. I know…I know. Please limit your vegetables being thrown to soft tomatoes.
I double checked that everything worked a few times and mounted the wires in a more eyeball friendly manner and haven’t had any issues yet.
I got a newer, larger fire extinguisher to carry in the cab, and I’m glad the old links did their job.
Thank you all for the help!!