All,
I'm cringing at myself for starting a thread about fusible links with how much they are discussed, but here we are. I'm mostly looking for people's real world experiences with replacing the FL as PM, ie, you weren't trying to correct a problem when you replaced them...did you notice any difference?
I ask because I have 308k miles on the original FL, and have zero issues with mine (that I know of. it seems like my battery, a hand me down from a sedan, is slightly on the weak side compared to my other 80 with a brand new properly sized battery...no surprise there). I get that it's a ticking time bomb and I have a new one on the way that I'll be keeping on the truck for obvious reasons. I'm not bothered by the fact that I may end up replacing it on the side of the road in the rain. I know I can replace it now and keep my old one as the spare. At this point I'm just interested in how long it can last, let's say for science's sake and to maybe play devil's advocate around the fearmongering around this topic*. That is, of course, assuming I'm not already experiencing issues like voltage drop that are happening so gradually I don't know. Hence, my question.
*the fearmongering, if you call it that, is rooted in a lot of truth. You should get a spare or have some sort of contingency plan if you don't already. up til now I've had a little roll of fusible link wire I carry with my emergency set.
More food for thought: other than my dad crossing the jumper cables ~15 years ago it's lived a pretty nominal life. I have auxiliary circuts (lights, etc) but they typically run directly off the battery. I also found an old thread with this interesting comment that's relevant enough I thought I'd toss in.
I'm cringing at myself for starting a thread about fusible links with how much they are discussed, but here we are. I'm mostly looking for people's real world experiences with replacing the FL as PM, ie, you weren't trying to correct a problem when you replaced them...did you notice any difference?
I ask because I have 308k miles on the original FL, and have zero issues with mine (that I know of. it seems like my battery, a hand me down from a sedan, is slightly on the weak side compared to my other 80 with a brand new properly sized battery...no surprise there). I get that it's a ticking time bomb and I have a new one on the way that I'll be keeping on the truck for obvious reasons. I'm not bothered by the fact that I may end up replacing it on the side of the road in the rain. I know I can replace it now and keep my old one as the spare. At this point I'm just interested in how long it can last, let's say for science's sake and to maybe play devil's advocate around the fearmongering around this topic*. That is, of course, assuming I'm not already experiencing issues like voltage drop that are happening so gradually I don't know. Hence, my question.
*the fearmongering, if you call it that, is rooted in a lot of truth. You should get a spare or have some sort of contingency plan if you don't already. up til now I've had a little roll of fusible link wire I carry with my emergency set.
More food for thought: other than my dad crossing the jumper cables ~15 years ago it's lived a pretty nominal life. I have auxiliary circuts (lights, etc) but they typically run directly off the battery. I also found an old thread with this interesting comment that's relevant enough I thought I'd toss in.
I've routinely get a code for a coolant temp sensor, occasionally a code for an intake temp sensor, and a code for the O² sensor after the cat. The O² sensor, will likely require tricking the computer. I've got headers and aftermarket exhaust.
Also have an issue with some rough running shortly after starting with a cold engine.
Replaced the fusible link and the junction box this evening.
I ohm'd out the one that was in previously. Two legs showed 1 ohm, the other zero'd out.
I don't freaking believe this, but it runs better, and shifts way better. Usually coming to a complete stop and applying ~50% throttle or betterwould trigger the coolant sensor code. I only have about 15 miles on it, but no codes. The fact it is more peppy and is shifting better blows my mind. What a stupid fix, and I'll be happy as hell if it cures some things.
Fusible link and the junction box are still available from Toyota.
Honestly, the guys who change them preemptively are mostly just trying to save themselves from hearing the dreaded *CLICK* on some icy day.
