Hey long duck and GSL-SE owners need help
 

Alright here's the deal LD

My car isn't starting... no electrical power...

here's what i did...

took out the old GSL-SE alternator...

then installed a 70 amp alternator... before i could hook it up... one of the wire touch the alternator or a metal part of it....then i saw my lower part of the fusible links light up like a cigarette... then i quickly move the alternator away... the fusible link was smokin... i thought everything was fine... then i finished installing the alternator... i put the srew on type wire first and then the clip on wire to the alternator... i went inside and noticed that my clock was dead and everything's dead...

tried to resolve by removing the negative on the battery for a minute then installed... nothing...

need help... don't have a clue on the electrical stuff that much...

You are going to need a new fusible link. And why did you not disconnect the battery? Before you do any work on the car you should always disconnect the battery.

i learned my lesson tonight... if i just replace the fusible link then you think its gonna get my electrical stuff back?

Assuming the link is the only thing that burned out, then yes things should be fine. Check fuses in the fusebox too.

As far as what gauge link you need, I can't remember. Been a while since I bought one.

what's a gauge link?... i'm not too familar with fuses and fuse talk... I'll check the fusebox tomorrow morning.. hopefully its only the fusible link... I hope it doesn't involve the battery terminals and other stuff...

Well, one time when my sister attempted to jump my car she crossed the cables. Smoked my main fusible link. I think it was 14 gauge, let me run outside and check. I dunno what the link box looks like on an -SE, but my 82 GSL there are three. The one in the middle (main) had to be replaced...I got a new one, put it in..car started right up.

did all your electrical power went out when the fuse burned out?.. I think the GSL-SE is the same as the 84-85 rx-7 fusible links...

Yeah, nothing at all would work. And I mean nothing.

It's 18 gauge. Just goto a parts place, ask for some 18 gauge fusible link wire.

That statement removes a lot of of worries on me... i'm just gonna go back to the boneyard sunday and get a fusible link... i saw an 85 there but non SE, but i know it looks the same...

Yep, goodluck. Easy fix, just remember to disconnect that battery! hah

ooh you mean like autozone or something... that's a definite on the battery

I got mine from...carquest I believe.

hey thanks faye... its been good talking to yah

Yep, no prob. heh I only hope this solves your problem. :D

the links should be the same for non gsl-se's and se's alike. check the color of the cloth covering the link.

The first words in any manual is : DISCONNECT THE FUCKING BATTERY

1. Remove the burnt out fusible link
2. Strip the cloth insulation
3. Twist the two wires back together
4. Replace repaired fusible link

5. Drive 7 to get replacement fusible link

it's fixed... 18 gauge wire and some ford female connector and boom she woke up... but the alternator ain't doin much.. i thought 70 amp would keep it stronger...

One last thing, MRGSL-SE - (and sorry to take so long to respond...), but you SHOULD NOT be using 18 gauge standard wire - the Fusible Links are a specific type of wire that is designed to carry a high load for a short period of time, then function like a standard fuse during normal amperage load.

In other words - you should remove that fusible link that you 'made' immediately, lest you get another short somewhere and cause an engine fire. Electrical is not something that you want to 'shotgun'.

The proper fix is as Mr7 stated, to go and find the correct fusible links (there are 2, brown and black), and replace with like kind. I always check pick-a-part cars for fusible links and keep a few spares in the glovebox just in case. These fusible links can get old and have an increase in resistance which results in some strange electrical behavior.

In your case, you knew exactly what caused the link to fry, which is a step in the right direction.

Some suggestions that I would make, further, would include replacing all of the fusible links (Mazdatrix, about $7 each, factory new), and save your old ones for spares. Then go through the internal fusebox by the hood release and check those to be sure that they're working correctly - you might also find a problem by turning things on and off inside your car to be sure that they're working correctly - if not, it's likely the fuse.

The fusible link that you blew is likely the Engine Main and is a black color, IIRC. HTH, and report back that you've seen this note - I wouldn't want you to damage your car by installing a fuse bypass by routing 18ga wire! Take it easy,

Back to the top - in an effort to catch MRGSLSE's eye and get him to swap out the 18ga wire for a real fusible link. Thanks,