big 3 fusible link

[lamar5271]

i noticed that there are 3 fusible links between the alternator and the battery. im gonna leave it there my question is should i put a fuse in-line between the alt. and battery when i add my 4 gauge wire. would it necessary sounds better. thanx

03 xlt

 

[aznboi3644]

I just added a wire...run the wire there it will see no high heat and double loom and tape it. No fuse necessary.

 

[CDW6212R]

All main power wires must be protected by fuses etc. Without one that wire will flow current until a fire starts. The fuses etc. are to blow on purpose instead of a fire.

The fuse size needs to be thought out carefully. select it based on the wire size, consult a reliable chart for wire gauges and fuse requirements. I would guess that a size near 100 amps might be close, but don't guess. Good luck,

 

[IZwack]

Most off-roaders run it straight from the Alt to Batt.

 

[Infinity08]

To be honest, you won't see any improvement what so ever in changing that wire- if you still use the factory alternator. The wire can handle the current, and will not get any more. There is a great thread at DIYMA discussing exactly this. Lots of super intelligent and highly trained/educated guys over there.
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29572&highlight=fusible+link

After reading that thread, I don't think I'll change any wire that contains fusible links.

 

[toypaseo]

Just add wire, and leave the stock wiring.

I think for 4 gauge wire, you need a 150 fuse. That is what I am planning on using when I try a Big 3 upgrade.

 

[aznboi3644]

To be honest, you won't see any improvement what so ever in changing that wire- if you still use the factory alternator. The wire can handle the current, and will not get any more. There is a great thread at DIYMA discussing exactly this. Lots of super intelligent and highly trained/educated guys over there.
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29572&highlight=fusible+link

After reading that thread, I don't think I'll change any wire that contains fusible links.

Are you talking about not changing the fusible link??? Isn't that a wire small enough that it would just burn up and cut the circuit like a fuse but with out using a fuse??

Or are you saying adding a battery to alt cable isn't worth it???

 

[CDW6212R]

The addition of a wire there is all about having additional power requirements from things like high powered stereo or lights. Usually a more powerful alternator is part of the changes.

 

[Infinity08]

Are you talking about not changing the fusible link??? Isn't that a wire small enough that it would just burn up and cut the circuit like a fuse but with out using a fuse??

Or are you saying adding a battery to alt cable isn't worth it???

Both, unless you can get a proper fusible link that will work WITH your new wire. If you add a new wire it will be unprotected and basically negate the factory link.

The addition of a wire there is all about having additional power requirements from things like high powered stereo or lights. Usually a more powerful alternator is part of the changes.

Now you're changing the rules of the game. With a higher output alternator, you will most definitely need a larger guage wire. Unfortunately, I hate fusing larger wires since the holders are always so bulky, but it must be done since I've never seen a fusible link that can be added properly in that situation. Think about this, though. Most people upgrade to 200 amp alts since they're generally easy to get. Over the 24-36" of wire from alt-battery, you'd really only need 2ga wire.

 

[lamar5271]

i actually did see an improvement because the alt to battery wire was only one of 3 wires. i also got a fancy negative batt terminal, made a new body ground and a ground to the alt case in addition to the factory body and engine grounds. the lights still dim though. im trying not to buy a new alt but i know a capacitor is only a temp. fix

 

[CDW6212R]

I did upgrade my wiring because of a few new circuits(30amps being the largest), and a better 170 alternator. I did not change my original wire, I added an 8ga. wire to help with the additional load. But my 99 truck has a built in high amp fuse bar at the PDB, thus I only needed to add wire. Evidently some newer vehicles still use fusible link wires, I never liked those.

For dimming lights begin with voltage checks while the dimming occurs. Likely the alternator isn't producing enough power. Regards,

 

[aldive]

I just added a wire...run the wire there it will see no high heat and double loom and tape it. No fuse necessary.

Rather poor advice. A fuse is necessary.