I used the same gauge wire as I didn't want to do anything that might change resistance since that is what seemed to cause the excess build up of heat. Someone will probably correct me here if this theory doesn't hold water. It took 20 years for enough oxidation/corrosion to cause the problem so I used the same type wire but didn't use the same type ring connector as the copper OEM seemed more prone to oxidation. I replaced the fusible link with a junk yard part and bet that part is no longer available. I'm sure that there is another fuse option (50amp right?) or suitable automotive circuit breaker that could be substituted.

David Clarkson
90 Westy

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jaime Forero <jforero@sbcglobal.net>
To: dvdclarksn <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>; vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sat, Aug 13, 2011 12:14 pm
Subject: RE: AC cutting out momentarily

 
 
 
Did you use the same gauge wire??  I am tempted to go to a heavier gauge 
wire for the wire going to the fusable link (well I really now have 
resettable fuse).  
Jaime 
-----Original Message----- 
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of 
David Clarkson 
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 10:12 AM 
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Subject: Re: AC cutting out momentarily 
 
 BTDT- the corrosion can cause increased resistance and pop the fusable 
link. This happened simultaneously with the meltdown of my trinary switch. I 
replaced several wires and connectors along with the switch and have had no 
other heat build up or meltdowns. This was still a very easy project as 
vanagon AC projects go. One of many over about 2-3 years of troubleshooting 
the AC in my rig. In the end it was all worth it as I have had 34 deg. vent 
temps once the system really gets going good.  
 
David Clarkson 
90 Westy-cool running! 
 
  
 
 
 
-----Original Message----- 
From: Gregory Smith <gfs@GREGORYFSMITH.COM> 
To: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> 
Sent: Fri, Aug 12, 2011 3:02 pm 
Subject: AC cutting out momentarily 
 
  
  
  
I was concerned about this after hearing from others about fires etc. in  
that area.  Mine still had the fuse (fusible link?) but it got too hot  
to touch when in use.  The connections were slightly corroded and one  
was loose.  I carefully cleaned the contacts and wahsers with 600 grit  
sandpaper and reassembled tightly.  As a n extra precaution I drilled a  
tidy pattern of vent holes in the cover panel below and above this area.  
 Still is pretty hot, but I think it is much cooler than before.  
  
Gregory Smith  
  
Smith Design Studio  
Small Building Company  
Olympia, WA  
360-239-0429  
gregoryfsmith.com  
  
  
-------- Original Message --------  
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:02:06 -0500  
From: jaime forero <jforero@SBCGLOBAL.NET>  
Subject: Re: AC cutting out momentarily  
  
Hi in my case I have found that on very hot days and after 20-25 minutes  
=  
of  
operating on high speed, 4 on the knob, the wire in the D pillar before  
=  
the  
fuse that feeds juice to the fan gets hot and trips the fuse. A while =  
back  
the original fuse got so hot that it basically melted the plastic holder  
=  
so  
I replaced it with a resettable fuse. The interesting thing is that the  
wires after the fuse going to the fan do not get very hot. I think my  
problem has to do with fans getting older and drawing more amps than =  
normal  
in high speed. Any suggestions?? Should I replace the wire that gets =  
hot  
with next gauge wire?? All other speeds, 3,2,1 work just fine.=20  
  
_________________  
Jaime Forero  
jforero@sbcglobal.net  
Siempre Adelante!!!