... i came across the story of a Pantera-owner who upgraded from old style ceramic fuses to ATO-type

anyone upgrade their old diesel's fuses?

I just replaced all the fuses. Changing everything over to the newer type would be quite difficult I think.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Once the Stock Fuse Box has the Fuse contacts cleaned and Good Qualty Copper or Brass Fuses with Ceramic bodies; and some People use dielectric grease on the Fuse ends the are good to go for an extremely Long time.
Of course the Seal on the Fues Lid has to be in good shape also.

Below is a nother option of pointed Buss Type Fuses that I believe have Stainless Steel Ends.
Pointed Fuses buss Type Pointed Fuses post #3
Replacement Fuses | Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Buss Fuses post #3
"There is a third choice if dependability is more important to you than originality. Buss fuses are available in a "G" series made of stainless steel and glass to replace the ceramic fuses. These "G" series are the correct length, have the correct "pointed" ends and are available in various amperages. They never corrode or tarnish and may be more readily available from your local hardware store or NAPA. See the photo below."

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I got suckered into doing it once..

Never again, weeks of work, no obvious gain.

.

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ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
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Technical Quality Auditor.
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

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