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#1 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,828
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I recently noticed that the A/C wasn't working well at slow vehicle speeds, and while I can accept that there's some reduced efficiency in such cases, yesterday the cooling was essentially nonexistent at a long stoplight.
Some troubleshooting this morning revealed that the secondary cooling fan is not operating. As per the FSM, checking for power at the large red power lead to the secondary relay, did NOT illuminate the test light. I jumped the red power lead from the primary fan relay connector, to deliver 12v to the pink/black wire leading to the secondary fan, and it ran, but noisily and slowly. So, I think the secondary fan motor probably began to fail, was drawing too much current, and blew the fusible link. I removed the battery, removed the nut off of the "jump starting terminal", and examined all of the fusible links. Here's what I found: ![]() The FSM is vague about these fusible links, luckily the failure was visible. The two fan power fusible links are ganged together on one ring terminal. I'm going to replace both fan motors (they are both original), and both fusible links.
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2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold) |
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#2 |
![]() Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
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The rubber on the wire looks brittle and corroded.
I'd expect there to be discoloration from high current.
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Scott ![]() Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
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#3 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,828
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Not true with fusible links, in my experience.
The insulation is very soft and flexible on this particular fusible link.
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2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold) |
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#4 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,828
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Summit and Jeg's both sell fusible link wire. I couldn't find any locally at any of the parts stores. The counter jockeys were trying to sell me a fuse holder, telling me it was the same thing. This occurred at 3 different stores. I hate that $hit.
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2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold) |
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#5 | |
![]() Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
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![]() Quote:
Here is but one example of what failure due to pure over current looks like. http://www.eldorado-seville.com/file...sm_mg_8665.jpg
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Scott ![]() Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people Last edited by scottfab; 06-05-2012 at 03:13 PM. |
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#6 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,828
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Not sure why you are so skeptical.
There's over a dozen wires in that area -- none of the others have the slightest blemish. The blown link has no sign of external damage to the insulation. The melted ends of the copper wire strands are clearly not that way due to being dissolved by acid. The fan motor is clearly not healthy, and therefore would easily draw too much current if the link were intact. That all adds up quite simply, not sure why you doubt the validity of what I've stated. ![]() ![]() ![]()
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2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold) |
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#7 | |
![]() Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
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I am sure things are as you state and upon looking closely a the newest picture you post and compare it to the previous one I can see better the burn and melted parts. (lower image below) On the original I could not see it. (upper image below) There is a white powdery substance on the original (upper) that looked to me like corrosion but no sign of burn marks. Clearly on the bottom there are very noticeable burn marks and melted copper but no powdery substance. Anyway good luck with it. When mine failed I repaired the link and tighted up the fan. Obviouly a different failure mechanism. ![]()
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Scott ![]() Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people Last edited by scottfab; 06-06-2012 at 01:30 PM. Reason: spelling |
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#8 |
![]() Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Antonio area
Posts: 1,179
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Fusible links are usually 4 gauges smaller than the feed wire - meaning 20 GA link for 16 GA feed. I could not find the correct link gauge anywhere so I used a 25 amp slo-blow in-line fuse instead. My link blew when a small rock got caught between the fan hoop and the housing. Motor was OK and still in use after 10 years or so.
PS: I think fusible link wire uses a high temperature insulation to prevent a fire.
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“Buy the best example of what you want, and pay whatever it takes. That way, you cry only once.” ~ Bruce Meyer |
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#9 |
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Sterling, VA
Posts: 147
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Curious what fans you are going to use as replacements?
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Thanks ... Paul (Paul in VA) WAZOO Member |
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#10 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,828
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I'm using a NOS Fan shroud / fan assembly from Corvette Recycling. That way, I'm getting a new shroud, new fan blades, 2 fresh motors, for not much more than 2 new motors alone would have cost on their own.
https://www.corvetterecycling.com/Pr...tCode=10157958
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2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold) |
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