Can anyone tell me what gauges fusible links A and B are on my 85 SS? The service manual tells me to look at what is marked on the insulation (seems to me it would have been logical to indicate their gauge in the manual but, not so) and I would like to have the replacements on hand when I put it in the shop, plus they are not in the best condition and may well be unreadable when I do gain access to them.

Thanks in advance for any info

Carl H

The red fusible links in the wiring diagram in the Helm's Electrical manual are a 3 RED, and when you cross a 3 metric into a awg it is a 12 gauge. Being they are "fusible" links they are that size to protect the wiring within the circuit they supply power to. So a 12 gauge fusible would be the wise replacement size.
Bob

Excellent! Thank You, that info is hard to find.

Carl H

If I recall, the length is also important to match as well. I could be mistaken on that, it was nearly 20 years ago the last time I messed with it.

Yes, as near as I can tell 9 inches seems to be the optimum length.

As part of my power upgrade (Big 5+) to my '87 I replaced the major power and ground wires. Seems to still have power drop to fuse box. Found suspicious connections at terminal on starter relay stud which connects to two of the three Fusible Links (FL) feeding power distribution. Can't tell if it was every replaced/shortened, but here's what I seem to have:

Coming off of a common ring terminal:
FL-A is about 6" long and has two wires exiting to power distribution (C100 connector) and AC blower motor relay
FL-B is about 4" long and has a single wire exiting to power distribution (C100 connector also)

There is a separate connector for FL-X which seems to be short (enclosed in an odd looking plug?) to the charging system (alt/gen). I will look into this tomorrow but again I can't guarantee something wasn't modified. Comments on this connection/FL appreciated,

The shop manual shows all the main wires (not the FLs) to be Red (power) 3 which I read as 3 mm sq and Bob confirms as #12 AWG
The shop manual shows the FLs associated with all three as being RED 1 or 1mm sq or #16
My two FLs (A and B which I just cut out) both have plastic connectors stamped "16".
It is designed that FLs are (typically and at least) 4 sizes smaller than the protected lines, that is #16 protects #12 AWG.

Avoid longer than necessary runs. You can buy any length but cut to minimum/typical to avoid overheating. These are acting a a slow-blow fuse.
6" seems most typical, but use what fits.
Per the manual, "NEVER make the FL longer than 9" as it will not provide sufficient overload protection" (looking for a small hot spot...)
Also, for the single FL feeding two wires, replace with two FLs using same size as original. (FL-A would be then be two #16 repair FLs feeding two #12 wires)
Also, don't use regular wire. The insulation of FLs is meant to contain melt and fire.
Connections are to be twisted, crimped and soldered (rosin) and covered with heat shrink.
Working on this and any input/guidance welcome.

Hope that helps others. I'm still sorting out.
Gordon

Ordered (three) 6" #16 FL attached to 12" #12 wire from AE Auto Electronics.
Used their Fusible Link build template. I needed a few inches more (of #12) than jsut teh 6" #16 FL splices so....
These three replace original two FL and protects three #12 lines associate with FL-A and FL-B.
I don't have FL-X as I had switched from a 4 wire alternator to a single wire (140A) alternator - duh!!!
As typical, they built and shipped within a few hours....
Progress...
Gordon