'84 Duke started, then doesn't... (Page 2/3)
CSM842M4 JUN 27, 10:26 AM
So, while doing a little preliminary chasing before heading to a doctor appointment, it became apparent that the fusible link wires may not go directly to the firewall connector. And again, Chilton is less helpful than teats on a boar hog in the electrical diagram department. Anybody know whether this is actual fact, or what route the wires take if they DO go to the connector, or if they terminate or connect somewhere else in the engine bay?
CSM842M4 JUN 27, 11:40 AM
Well, I just found CowsPatoot's list of diagrams. Looks like one fuse-linked wire goes to the alternator before heading through C500, but the other goes straight to the connector. Didn't look at it long enough to see if the cavity locations were listed in the diagram, but if so, life is about to get better...
CSM842M4 JUN 27, 07:39 PM
Seems that both fusible links at the starter solenoid are/were good after all, but they were terminated in a super-crappy manner, so I'm going to service them and make them right. However, thanks to CowsPatoot's diagram contribution - 1. Yes, the connector cavities ARE noted on the diagram! One link ends in cavity E4, the other in A5, in connector C500. 2. After the E4 wire is inside the car, one of the next things it feeds is the ignition switch. In turn, one of the things the ignition switch feeds is - the instrument panel. So, suddenly, I may have a new suspect to interrogate. More to come...
cartercarbaficionado JUN 28, 04:51 AM

quote
Originally posted by CSM842M4:

Seems that both fusible links at the starter solenoid are/were good after all, but they were terminated in a super-crappy manner, so I'm going to service them and make them right. However, thanks to CowsPatoot's diagram contribution - 1. Yes, the connector cavities ARE noted on the diagram! One link ends in cavity E4, the other in A5, in connector C500. 2. After the E4 wire is inside the car, one of the next things it feeds is the ignition switch. In turn, one of the things the ignition switch feeds is - the instrument panel. So, suddenly, I may have a new suspect to interrogate. More to come...


interesting. sounds like I got lucky with my field find so far then
CSM842M4 JUN 29, 08:00 PM
Tons of new questions - does anyone have any idea what the total possible amperage through EACH of the fusible links coming from the starter solenoid might be? I find myself torn, based on some information I've just read on another automotive electrical specialty website, between keeping the '84's wiring as stock as possible and upgrading to more modern and easily-serviced components when it makes sense.
On the stock side of the argument, I see on CowsPatoot's Mitchell diagrams that the fusible links in question are listed as a "3" in red/white, and a "5" in red. I've read that fusible links are rated in size rather than in amperes, and that the size is somehow metric. So, are the 3 and 5 measurements in millimeters? I've also read that the length of the link is critical to its operation, with most of what I've seen around 8 or 9 inches. If I keep things pretty close to stock, I think I'll still try to make the links easily replaceable...
On the upgrade side, I've read today about people replacing their links with Maxi fuses. Easy to find, easy enough to wire in with the right block/panel. It's got me thinking...
However, I also read today that links provide protection in a different way and different circumstances than fuses do. Didn't get to read all of that article, but others were reporting on some negative aspects of links.
This is a lot to throw out at one time, I know. But I welcome all the input anyone can provide. I just want to make the best-informed decision I can... Thanks in advance, again
theogre JUN 29, 09:10 PM
Do Not "upgrade" fusible links to "Modern" fuses. You & others have No clue why links work. Isn't just Amps crossing thru them.

Can move the 2 to starter to higher place so less road crap getting on them
like wire them sim to later years etc.

If you replace the battery cables, tie them to small wire @ battery end. Doesn't need same "box" as others or even same location but make sure can't hit the exhaust etc.

That isn't only a "84 Fiero" problem. Other GM model lines had same problem before ~ 85 MY.

See cave wire service.
Patrick JUN 29, 10:16 PM

quote
Originally posted by CSM842M4:

Seems that both fusible links at the starter solenoid are/were good after all, but they were terminated in a super-crappy manner, so I'm going to service them and make them right.



So... the fusible links are okay then? If so, I don't quite understand why you're now putting so much effort into reinventing the wheel. Does any of this actually have anything to do with the duke not starting?
CSM842M4 JUN 30, 05:48 AM
As it's turning out the further I dig into this, the prior owner of this car had replaced the fusible links with ordinary wire, and had done it in a very low-rent manner - twisting wire ends together and taping over the joints. No, the wires had not burned in two or anything, but they are also not providing any circuit protection at this point. Hence, new links. Yes, I'm sticking with fusible links, if I can decipher the sizes I need. I'm suspecting the starter/solenoid less now, and leaning toward the ignition switch given the inactivity on the dash and at the starter. Now that my granddaughter is back at her parents' house, I expect to be able to commit a little more time to this project.
CSM842M4 JUN 30, 04:03 PM
Seems like the guidance on selecting fusible links is to go 4 AWG's smaller than the wire feeding the circuit/s to be protected, with a length between 6 and 12 inches, with 8 or 9 being preferred. Does this sound about right?
cartercarbaficionado JUN 30, 05:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Do Not "upgrade" fusible links to "Modern" fuses. You & others have No clue why links work. Isn't just Amps crossing thru them.

Can move the 2 to starter to higher place so less road crap getting on them
like wire them sim to later years etc.

If you replace the battery cables, tie them to small wire @ battery end. Doesn't need same "box" as others or even same location but make sure can't hit the exhaust etc.

That isn't only a "84 Fiero" problem. Other GM model lines had same problem before ~ 85 MY.

See cave wire service.


could you elaborate? I replaced my 88s fusible link to the injectors with a fuse that was rated slightly less than the original link. Is that not the proper procedure other than by sauntering on a new fusible link