1990 Dodge Van Fusible Link Blows

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SPARKY~MAMA
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1990 full size dodge van 5.2 V8/250000 miles.

why would the fusible link (for the alternator and throttle body) blow on the firewall? it's been replaced several times and keeps blowing. it's a heavy 22 gauge wire.

thanks
Mar 15, 2007 at 5:03 AM
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RASMATAZ
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[quote:3e443d1199="sparky~mama"]1990 full size dodge van 5.2 V8/250000 miles.

why would the fusible link (for the alternator and throttle body) blow on the firewall? it's been replaced several times and keeps blowing. it's a heavy 22 gauge wire.

thanks[/quote:3e443d1199]

A fusible link is 4X smaller than the wire it protects-when an overload occurs it blows better start checking for a short somewhere or Try no.18 awg

And at the same time have the alternator output check.
Mar 15, 2007 at 10:02 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the alternator and throttle-body circuit for a short or overload. Confirm the fusible link is the correct size (an 18 AWG link was suggested instead of 22 gauge) and have the alternator output tested.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 full-size Dodge van with a 5.2 V8 says the firewall fusible link for the alternator and throttle body keeps blowing after repeated replacement. The expert explains that a fusible link is smaller than the wire it protects and opens under overload, so a short should be checked, an 18 AWG link considered, and alternator output tested.

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