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crvc
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2004
Posts: 1308
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 Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 1:01 pm Post subject: Fusable link? |
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How important is the fusible link? Years ago when doing a full restoration I bought a wiring kit for a '67 bug. The directions recommended adding a fusible link between the battery and the voltage regulator. I did so and I've had it pop several times. In each case it was because of a hot wire touching metal ground. But lately there's no power to the dash and if I pull the rear seat out the link is intact. So I replace it anyway and suddenly I have power. I've had to do this several times now. I've tested the suspect fuses and in each case they're still good.
So can I do without the fusible link? I've owned bugs for 30 years and this is the first car where I had that fusible link to deal with.
TIA,
crvc |
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OLD VW NUT
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2011
Posts: 2776
Location: High Desert of Washington 98823
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 1:35 pm Post subject: |
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Since there have been millions of bugs that never had a fusible link installed it might be perfectly safe. However I cannot see how a fusible link would test good but not pass amperage. I have one on my 71 Ghia and its staying.
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71 Ghia Coupe - stock body - no rust! Powered by a 2110 W/Dual HPMX 44's - Rancho Pro Street Transaxle - A/C by Gilmore
Other car - 2013 VW Golf TDI |
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grandpa pete
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Joined: July 06, 2008
Posts: 6426
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
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jhoefer
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Joined: May 19, 2011
Posts: 987
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:21 pm Post subject: |
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By your own admission, it's saved you from potential electrical fires several times. I wouldn't be too keen on removing it.
What size/rating fusible link are you using? |
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crvc
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2004
Posts: 1308
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:42 pm Post subject: |
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| jhoefer wrote: |
By your own admission, it's saved you from potential electrical fires several times. I wouldn't be too keen on removing it.
What size/rating fusible link are you using? |
I think it's 20 amp but I've also used 15 amp. My original point was I don't know what it does since my other vws didn't have it.
crvc |
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jhoefer
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Joined: May 19, 2011
Posts: 987
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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| crvc wrote: |
| jhoefer wrote: |
By your own admission, it's saved you from potential electrical fires several times. I wouldn't be too keen on removing it.
What size/rating fusible link are you using? |
I think it's 20 amp but I've also used 15 amp. My original point was I don't know what it does since my other vws didn't have it.
crvc |
It adds protection to the main power feed wires between the battery and fuse box. I'm not sure 15amp is enough depending on how much total current your electrical system uses. The stock wire size should be good to carry twice that. |
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crvc
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2004
Posts: 1308
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| Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:59 am Post subject: |
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Well so far it's 24 hours without a problem. I'm guessing the fuse just wasn't connecting enough for current flow. Kinda like a florescent bulb that seems to go out but when I tap it or twist it back and forth it comes back on.
crvc |
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