Replacing the fusible link

[custodian]

I'm looking at replacing some of my fusible links with inline fuses. Most of what I'm looking at replacing are 10ga wires. How do I determine what size fuse to use?

 

[Ricko1966]

Fuses are not a good replacement for fusible links. That's why factory they didn't use fuses. Fuse and fusible link fail rate happens at a different amperage and time. There is no answer to your question. You'll have to use a fuse with to high of rating for adequate protection or low enough to protect but deal with frequently blowing fuse that can't handle the temporary overload a fusible link will.

 

[Smtty58]

IIR, there are slow blow circuit breakers that duplicate fusible links. Study a wiring diagram for the amp loads.

 

[nvrenuf]

Places like O’Reilly’s have replacement fusible link wire. They aren’t 1:1 replacement wire size so be careful to get the correct gauge.

 

[Ricko1966]

IIR, there are slow blow circuit breakers that duplicate fusible links. Study a wiring diagram for the amp loads.

Slow blows don't mimic them correctly either.

 

[NLD79K10]

Like Ricko said: fusible links behave a lot different to a normal fuse. Their characteristics are nothing like fuses as they will tolerate a bit of temporary overcurrent before burning through but will burn out pretty rapidly on a real overcurrent and don't have any real inline fuse equivalent. Fuses will either trip all the time a bit of excess current draw happens or will allow for wiring to catch fire because they have too high a current tolerance.
Not sure about your truck, but like mine it probably uses 14 and 16ga fusible links, I keep a couple of rolls of those sizes in stock just in case. It takes a little bit of soldering, crimping an eyelet and putting on a bit of heat shrink to replace a burnt out fusible link, but it beats having to replace a burnt out wiring harness or worse.