Author Topic: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?  (Read 5931 times)

Offline tommyg29

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Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« on: February 04, 2011 - 09:31:45 PM »
I'm upgrading my starter relay bypass wire to 8 gauge from 10 since I just installed a higher output 75 amp alternator. What size link should I use, 80amp, or smaller?
Thanks
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

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Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2011 - 10:39:55 PM »
I've worked on a lot of imports and they have a 100 amp fuse in that circuit. Go to a stereo store and get one of those big blade fuse adapters then keep a  spare fuse in the glove box.     For my fusible link, I ran 2 pieces of 16 guage fusible link wire in parallel, But i'll get a fuse holder next time.
Rob

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Offline dodj

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2011 - 07:13:40 AM »
Where you putting the link?
The one that feeds the interior would not need to be changed. I don't fuse the battery-alt wire but if you want to, I'd say alternator maximum output would be the smallest size fuse, I think I'd go with 100 amp.
Scott
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Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2011 - 07:17:45 AM »
Where you putting the link?

he said on the Starter Relay "bypass wire"  (alternator to relay)
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline nqkjw

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2011 - 08:05:50 AM »
Go to a stereo store and get one of those big blade fuse adapters then keep a  spare fuse in the glove box.

That's what I did with mine.
I had the same problem as the OP not knowing what size fuse I needed.
I started at 40amp and went up from there,replacing blown fuses with a bigger one.
The 60amp fuse currently in there appears right as it's coping.
Oh...and it's got a 100amp alternator.
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Offline tommyg29

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2011 - 06:27:34 PM »
The max Ive been able to find is a 14g fusible link at NAPA, and iirc thats the recommended link to protect a 10g circuit (#4 up), and I am installing an 8g bypass wire.
Anyone know where I can find a 12g link?
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline Bullitt-

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Offline tommyg29

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2011 - 08:06:54 AM »
thanks for that fusible link "Link" bullit. :bigsmile:
I'm guessing the fusible link wire covering melts in such a way its not as dangerous as regular wire covering?
How does that work?
And maybe this is for another thread, but now I'm thinking if this 12g wire is the same size or bigger than the main feed returing back to my interior and under dash harnesses, I wont actually be protecting them from too much current, or am I just overthinking this?

Anyone know how much amperage this 12 g. wire will take before it melts/breaks?
« Last Edit: February 08, 2011 - 08:09:59 AM by tommyg29 »
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2011 - 08:36:44 AM »
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
Screwed by Photobucket!

Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2011 - 09:32:32 AM »
I run a circuit breaker on mine, I think it's a blue sea systems (marine application with two stud/posts on it). It's popped one time for no apparent reason, about a year ago. It's nice to just *click* and keep on going..
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Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2011 - 09:47:02 AM »
You should be okay with your 8 guage wire and 2 16 ga. fusible links in parallel like mine is hooked up. The added "charging wire" also doubles the input to your fusebox by having both the red and black wire now sharing the car's load. The main thing is the charging circuit now bypassing the bulkhead connectors .

  If you go by tha chart that Bullit linked, it says that you should measure total distance to the device then back.  For example; it says that for 70 amps max, for going from the alternator to the battery then back (about 15') would require a 4 gauge wire.  Some of the charge wires in the newer cars are big, and you'll never pull a full 100 amps, but a 4 ga would be safe. That's a little too big for me.

It also says that fusible links throw "sparks and smoke" when they blow, so I wouldn't wrap them up inside a harness. GM always put theirs in "open air" on their firewalls too, like mopar did.

Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline tommyg29

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Re: Fusible link size for starter relay bypass?
« Reply #11 on: February 08, 2011 - 12:52:12 PM »
thanks to all for the input.
Now I just need to do it. :working:
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....