Newbie with wiring questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pipewelder_1999 · 02-09-2009, 09:26 AM

Hello Everyone,

I bought a 76 LWB silverado awhile back as I got tired of vehiucles I was uncomfortable working on. Its in bad need of a paint job and some bodywork but runs nice.

I have been trying to get my son interested in working on it however my mechanic practices may be a bit lacking. We replaced a valve cover gasket the other day that appeared to be leaking oil onto the exhaust pretty bad.

I explainined to him what to do and that he could remove anything in the way as long as we marked where it went. I never told him to disconnect the battery and he shorted the hot wire top the alternator to the case of the alternator. Now there is NO electricity to anything on the truck.

I found the fusible link coming off of the starter and the one by to the power block on the firewall near the driver side. Are there any other places to look for damage ?

I also noted that the outside of t he alternator housing shows continuity to the + side wires in the system.

I'd like to ba able to add something to the forum but my experience is as a welder and driver of these vehicles but I am interested in learning more.

**N2TRUX** · 02-09-2009, 11:44 AM

Anyone?

pipewelder_1999 · 02-09-2009, 12:44 PM

I just removed the fusible link at the starter and the one on the firewall. And it cranked right up. What do I need to put back in there for protection ? Any certain amperage fuse work ?

60ratrod · 02-09-2009, 02:04 PM

i'm not to certain as what fuse you should use but i would just put in one of those bladed inline fuses. i would check to see what the amp rating on the fusible link was and replace it with a fuse just like it. maybe check with a local dealership or call the gm tech support line to see what the amp rating was or should be

James McClure · 02-09-2009, 02:26 PM

Pipe, just get fuse link wire from NAPA. You will need 10 guage wire. Connect it to the existing wire with solder clips and solder it in. Then you'll need an "eyelet" big enough to go over the stud it will be attached to. At the starter it will be 3/8". At the firewall and on the alternator it will be 1/8 or 3/16". You will find a large rubber slug at the end of sopme of the fuse links, just cut it off. That should do ya. Let us know how you do. jim

pipewelder_1999 · 02-18-2009, 02:32 PM

Thanks for the info on the fuse. I guess I wont know if the 10Ga wire works unless it burns in two or worse, it doesn't.

02-09-2009, 09:26 AM	#1
pipewelder_1999 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Iuka, MS Posts: 5	Newbie with wiring questions Hello Everyone, I bought a 76 LWB silverado awhile back as I got tired of vehiucles I was uncomfortable working on. Its in bad need of a paint job and some bodywork but runs nice. I have been trying to get my son interested in working on it however my mechanic practices may be a bit lacking. We replaced a valve cover gasket the other day that appeared to be leaking oil onto the exhaust pretty bad. I explainined to him what to do and that he could remove anything in the way as long as we marked where it went. I never told him to disconnect the battery and he shorted the hot wire top the alternator to the case of the alternator. Now there is NO electricity to anything on the truck. I found the fusible link coming off of the starter and the one by to the power block on the firewall near the driver side. Are there any other places to look for damage ? I also noted that the outside of t he alternator housing shows continuity to the + side wires in the system. I'd like to ba able to add something to the forum but my experience is as a welder and driver of these vehicles but I am interested in learning more.

02-09-2009, 11:44 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Newbie with wiring questions Anyone? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-09-2009, 12:44 PM	#3
pipewelder_1999 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Iuka, MS Posts: 5	Re: Newbie with wiring questions I just removed the fusible link at the starter and the one on the firewall. And it cranked right up. What do I need to put back in there for protection ? Any certain amperage fuse work ?

02-09-2009, 02:04 PM	#4
60ratrod yes, i do Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Spokane, wa Posts: 2,734	Re: Newbie with wiring questions i'm not to certain as what fuse you should use but i would just put in one of those bladed inline fuses. i would check to see what the amp rating on the fusible link was and replace it with a fuse just like it. maybe check with a local dealership or call the gm tech support line to see what the amp rating was or should be

02-09-2009, 02:26 PM	#5
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: Newbie with wiring questions Pipe, just get fuse link wire from NAPA. You will need 10 guage wire. Connect it to the existing wire with solder clips and solder it in. Then you'll need an "eyelet" big enough to go over the stud it will be attached to. At the starter it will be 3/8". At the firewall and on the alternator it will be 1/8 or 3/16". You will find a large rubber slug at the end of sopme of the fuse links, just cut it off. That should do ya. Let us know how you do. jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

02-18-2009, 02:32 PM	#6
pipewelder_1999 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Iuka, MS Posts: 5	Re: Newbie with wiring questions Thanks for the info on the fuse. I guess I wont know if the 10Ga wire works unless it burns in two or worse, it doesn't.

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