fusible link on GP relay? causes of meltdown?
 

finally got the engine going, but had to short the fusible link b/c GP light would not come on. What are some common causes of this meltdown?

1. A short somewhere in the system, causing too much current to be drawn. Although an unusual failure, this can be dangerous -- 80 Amps is way more than needed to start a nice little fire in your engine compartment.

2. Corrosion of the (aluminum) strip fuse causes an "ohmic contact" with the holding screws, which get hot and melt the aluminum. Use the same gunk that electricians use on aluminum wire junctions. It prevents oxidation of the aluminum, which is the cause of the problem -- aluminum oxide is an insulator.

Jeremy

thanks again jeremy.

does that short have to be part of the GP circuit?

I need to find some wiring diagrams

Yes it does. Mine blew when a GP decided to short out internally.

Diagram
 

Model Year 1985 . . .


http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/n...0D/Preglow.jpg

. . . from the CD-ROM version of the FSM for the W123 cars.

Jeremy

you guys are great.

Just in case anyone ever has this issue and no fuses availabe. If your compression is good and it will start w/o glow... by all means, destroy your starter. Otherwise, you can remove the layer of oxidation on your fuses melted ends, flatten them out, set them back in with screws, and force them towards each other while you tighten them up. I have been doing this for 3 days now. I know.. its an $.80 fuse after an engine rebuild. I am just too excited to drive the car that I have care for these minor issues.. like carpets... and lights.

it is usually caused by a failing or failed glow plug