Fox Alternator wiring questions in my 83 car

limp · May 23, 2023

So working on wiring my stock 83 alternator....
Had the stock alternator reworked ( and the starter) at the local rebuild shop..
The wiring loom that connects to the back of the alternator is not in the best shape so even though I am not upgrading to a larger Alt, I purchased some 6 gauge wire to run from the BAT terminal on the alternator to the starter solenoid.....
While following the rats next of wires, " welds " and fusible links I found a fusible link between the actual connection from the alternator to the solenoid/battery lug....
My question is do I need to use a fusible link or install a fuse in my new 6 gauge wire between the alt and the solenoid??
FSM says this Alt is 40 up to a max of 65 amps.....
Thanks for any help here

General karthief · May 23, 2023

65 amps is pretty wimpy.

AeroCoupe · May 23, 2023

If you had the alt rebuilt the shop should be able to tell you what it’s putting out. The 6 ga wire can carry up to 65A so if your stock alt is putting out more than that move up to 4 ga.

As for the fusible link…trash it. Get a mega fuse holder and mega fuse that is less than the maximum current carrying capacity of the size of wire you are going to use. So on my cars I used 4 ga power wire and 125A fuses.

limp · May 24, 2023

General karthief said:
65 amps is pretty wimpy.

Its alot better than my Dodge alt.... 35 amps..
You have seen the car, no accessories except for the vert top and AC.... No stereo amp either..... I am installing a relay kit for the headlights...

Mustang5L5 · May 24, 2023

General karthief said:
65 amps is pretty wimpy.

1983's don't really need a lot of power. What's there to run?

1987's 5-spd cars got the 65A as well and the AOD's got 75A. 75A wasn't across the board until 1988.

Obviously if the car is modified with e-fans and other electrical do-dads that weren't there, the alt should be upgraded.

limp · May 24, 2023

AeroCoupe said:
If you had the alt rebuilt the shop should be able to tell you what it’s putting out. The 6 ga wire can carry up to 65A so if your stock alt is putting out more than that move up to 4 ga.

As for the fusible link…trash it. Get a mega fuse holder and mega fuse that is less than the maximum current carrying capacity of the size of wire you are going to use. So on my cars I used 4 ga power wire and 125A fuses.

So help me here.. Is the fuse to prevent the wire from melting down or from the electrical components from getting a surge??
Or is it to stop a dead short from running away and burning down the car??
thanks

Mustang5L5 · May 24, 2023

Fuse it to protect the wiring and all components in the circuit. You want it's rating to be less than any of the components in the series, and typically the wire is the lowest rating.

Fuse links burn up and they you are stranded. You can toss a 2nd fuse in the glovebox and swap it on the side of the road. However, size the wire appropriately with good solid connections/crimps and that should never happen.

General karthief · May 24, 2023

limp said:
So help me here.. Is the fuse to prevent the wire from melting down or from the electrical components from getting a surge??
Or is it to stop a dead short from running away and burning down the car??
thanks

Yes

And your alternator is still wimpy wimpy wimpy

AeroCoupe · May 24, 2023

What Mike said and what the General said.

limp · May 24, 2023

General karthief said:
Yes

And your alternator is still wimpy wimpy wimpy

General, you have been infatuated with this part on my car that I took off and have been saving it for you.....

limp · May 24, 2023

AeroCoupe said:
Get a mega fuse holder

LIke this?

limp · May 24, 2023

Or like this? Whats everyone using?

AeroCoupe · May 24, 2023

I use the first one as I prefer a cover.

Fuse Holder:

02981001ZXT Littelfuse MEGA® Fuse Holder, 500A/32V

Littelfuse 02981001ZXT MEGA® fuse holder with cover, black, 500A/32V.

www.waytekwire.com

Fuses:

Waytek | Electrical Components Distributor

Same Day Shipping | Waytek is a leading distributor of high-quality electrical components, including circuit protection, automotive wire, connectors, terminals, switches, relays, and more.

www.waytekwire.com

Mustang5L5 · May 24, 2023

I like Blue Sea systems products as they are geared towards the marine industry and a little more robust than your typical Amazon-China products. They can be bought on Amazon

Mega fuse style

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7721/MEGA___AMG_Safety_Fuse_Block

MIDI fuse style. I think this one has a spot to hold a spare fuse too

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7720/AMI___MIDI_Safety_Fuse_Block

What size wire are you going to run? #6 or #4?

rednotch · May 24, 2023

I just use Bussmann HMEG Fuse Holders..

rednotch · May 24, 2023

And wtf those stupid little things used to be $3 each, now there $8.60 on rock auto ffs. At least the fuses are still under $3 there. Getting tired of seeing stupid normal auto parts double or tripple in price.

AeroCoupe · May 24, 2023

Most have figured out they can make just as much money by making less and jacking the price up. You can thank your federal government for all of this.

General karthief · May 24, 2023

limp said:
General, you have been infatuated with this part on my car that I took off and have been saving it for you.....

If it's broken or worn out I want it.

rednotch · May 24, 2023

General karthief said:
If it's broken or worn out I want it.

Put that in some ospho, metal prep or hell Even vinegar and water and it will look new in no time... Lol I threw some crusty oem floor pan plugs, the oem metal ones in my derusting bucket a week or two ago, forgot to pull them out till today, damn things are cleaner them what's on most cars now.

85GTStangGuy · May 25, 2023

limp said:
General, you have been infatuated with this part on my car that I took off and have been saving it for you.....

Heater Hose Connection - #18599-10 - National Parts Depot

Buy part #18599-10 Heater Hose Connection for your classic vehicle from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery & everyday low pricing! Order now!

www.npdlink.com

Fox Alternator wiring questions in my 83 car

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish

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