Fusable link?

[BrianG]

Hey all,<br /><br />What happens when the "fuseable" link goes on a boat? I have a volvo inboard. Where is it? What does it look like? Are they expensive?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Fusable link?

BrianG,<br /><br />A fusebale link is a piece of wire that will melt like a typical fuse, only it is a piece of wire. Your dealer can probably tell you where to find it if your owner's manual does not. Obviously, the circuit that it is connected to will not operate after the fuseable link is blown.<br /><br />Fuseable links are rated, just like fuses, and they are not expensive.<br /><br />Regards, Gold Bear

 

[BrianG]

Re: Fusable link?

I've got power to the starter and its turning the motor over. However its not starting. <br /><br />Whats normally effected by this wire??

 

[BrianG]

Re: Fusable link?

Also, Do these go bad? or they burn up cause of another problem? thanks.

 

[Nucem30]

Re: Fusable link?

BrianG, I just went through a starting issue and suspected the fuseable link. On my engine (mercruiser 170) it runs from the electric choke to the + terminal on the coil.<br /><br />I had a dodge truck that would eat these fuses about every 6 months.

 

[BrianG]

Re: Fusable link?

Thanks. <br /><br />My question though is that my motor is getting spark, and its turning over. But not starting or firing over. Could this be the fuse link or would the fuse link kill the whole motor? thanks

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Fusable link?

BrianG,<br /><br />It takes fuel, compression, and spark at the right time for your engine to run.<br /><br />Take a squirt bottle of fuel, and squirt some fuel into the carb while starting the motor. Be careful because if the timing is not right it may cough / back-fire back through the carb. <br /><br />If your carb has an accelerator pump, work the throttle to see if it is squirting fuel into the carb. (try this first before using a squirt bottle.<br /><br />If the engine is fuel injected, see if you can pull a vacume hose, and squirt some fuel in there.<br /><br />Also give us more information about your motor so we can help.<br /><br />Good luck, Gold Bear

 

[BrianG]

Re: Fusable link?

1985 Renken boat, 4cyl Volvo motor.<br /><br />Was running down river, Power cut out totally. Nothing had power, no lights, no horn, etc.<br /><br />I hit the "reset" button which is located next to the starter which is like a circuit breaker. Everything powered up fine and I was on my way.<br /><br />30min later I lost power to the motor. Had power to everything but it wouldnt start. Motor has spark. I smell the gas so its getting gas. <br /><br />I have been told to check the fuseable link however my question is whether or not the fuseable link is bad if the motor is turning over and its getting spark??

 

[skydawg]

Re: Fusable link?

Brain, just because you're smelling gas doesn't mean you're getting gas where it needs to be. COuld be the gas you're smelling could be from a leak thats causing the carbs not to get gas.

 

[BrianG]

Re: Fusable link?

While trying to get it to run, i did shoot starting fluid through the air cleaner assembly. It didn't help so I am assuming its not that. I hope to take a look at it again tomorrow since I will have some time to mess with it.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fusable link?

Sounds like you have a major short somewhere. Go over the entire electrical system and check all the connections. Better yet, remove each contact, lightly sand them and re-attach them. Pay attention to all the battery connections too as well as the wires under the dash. This will remove the 7-8 years of corrosion and help you see any "burnt" spots or spots where the wires have shorted.<br /><br />If it died suddenly and you restarted when you hit a reset, I suspect a short.<br /><br />Bob

 

[harrison20002]

Re: Fusable link?

BrianG; Layoff the starting fluid, most everyone uses the oldstyle WD40. Starting fluid will wash down you cyinder walls and cause scoring. Hope you find your problem soon. Hal

 

[Duckboater]

Re: Fusable link?

If motor is turning over AND you have spark, I don't think your problem is ignition related. It does sound as if you have an electrical problem that will need to be diagnosed, though. As for the fuel problem, if you are going to spray fuel or starting fluid into the air intake, it will be much more effective if you remove the air cleaner. From your previous posts it sounds as if maybe you left the air cleaner in place while doing this? I agree with Skydawg; gas fumes can travel a long ways and smelling them doesn't necessarily mean your motor is getting fuel!