gmctd
01-15-2004, 15:31
Fusible links are just that - a wire, smaller diameter than the power cable it supplys, intended to fuse, or melt, under extreme overload conditions. That's the short section of wire with the 'different' insulation found at the battery(s), alternator, starter, etc.
The smaller diameter wire can safely carry the required current, and prevents the event from fusing the power cable inside the main wiring harness. Very disastrous in the PCM-equipped trucks.
Fusing under high-current event creates intense heat, too hot for the normal high-temp pvc wiring found in the engine bay.
That unusual insulation is silicone-compound rubber, similar to that used in spark-plug wiring, and is highly resistive to melting and\or burning.
The link can fuse open without starting a fire.
Anyone involved in Glow Plug procedures has probably noticed the similarity of those wires to fusible links or spark plug wires. The insulation is of silicone-rubber compound for the same purpose - contain the intense fusing heat under short-circuit condition without melting the insulation.
Added advantage on the TD trucks is survivability in close approximation to the exhaust manifolds.
700deg average exhaust gas temp is directly radiated by the exhaust manifold surfaces.
The passenger-side manifold, mounting the turbo, and passing total exhaust gas flow, is capable of even more intense radiation, with greater mass and more area to radiate.
It may be also be noticed the wire is flexible and compliant - suitable in a high vibration environment such as a Diesel engine bay.
This prevents constant breakage at the Glow Plug terminal crimp, where little provision can be made to anchor the wire over various spans.
It can be seen, then, that high temp wiring, even such as N.E.C. Type A suitable for 200degC environment, would not be a good choice for Glow Plug wire replacement.
Fusing-heat containment without burning, radiated heat resistance to melting, and flexibility are requirements easily met by Fusible Link spec'ed wiring.
Be sure. Be safe.
[ 01-16-2004, 03:09 AM: Message edited by: gmctd ]
The smaller diameter wire can safely carry the required current, and prevents the event from fusing the power cable inside the main wiring harness. Very disastrous in the PCM-equipped trucks.
Fusing under high-current event creates intense heat, too hot for the normal high-temp pvc wiring found in the engine bay.
That unusual insulation is silicone-compound rubber, similar to that used in spark-plug wiring, and is highly resistive to melting and\or burning.
The link can fuse open without starting a fire.
Anyone involved in Glow Plug procedures has probably noticed the similarity of those wires to fusible links or spark plug wires. The insulation is of silicone-rubber compound for the same purpose - contain the intense fusing heat under short-circuit condition without melting the insulation.
Added advantage on the TD trucks is survivability in close approximation to the exhaust manifolds.
700deg average exhaust gas temp is directly radiated by the exhaust manifold surfaces.
The passenger-side manifold, mounting the turbo, and passing total exhaust gas flow, is capable of even more intense radiation, with greater mass and more area to radiate.
It may be also be noticed the wire is flexible and compliant - suitable in a high vibration environment such as a Diesel engine bay.
This prevents constant breakage at the Glow Plug terminal crimp, where little provision can be made to anchor the wire over various spans.
It can be seen, then, that high temp wiring, even such as N.E.C. Type A suitable for 200degC environment, would not be a good choice for Glow Plug wire replacement.
Fusing-heat containment without burning, radiated heat resistance to melting, and flexibility are requirements easily met by Fusible Link spec'ed wiring.
Be sure. Be safe.
[ 01-16-2004, 03:09 AM: Message edited by: gmctd ]