What are these wires? (Pic)

This goes to the starter but are in need of repair. What are the black cylinders? Some kind of fuse? There is a number 16 on both of them.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o219/ernestmayhand/Caprice%20resto/1201071140web.jpg

That is what's called a fusible link. You can't really repair that - you have to replace it.

The black cylinders are simply where the fusible link (orange wires) interface with the wires they protect (the larger red wires).

So can I just cut the orange (fuseable link) wire after the black cylinder, get some new fuseable link wire and connector and butt connect it together then?

It doesn't look like I can open up the black cylinders. I want this all to be as clean as possible. Can I make my cut before the black cylinders and get new black cylinders that have the fuseable link coming out of them and are able to accept the red side too?

I don't see why you can't just strip the cut wire ends, solder them back together. Use a piece of heatshrink tube to seal the deal, so to speak.

I don't see why you can't just strip the cut wire ends, solder them back together. Use a piece of heatshrink tube to seal the deal, so to speak.

A fusible link is a certain gauge wire at a certain length. When you mess with either, it no longer offers the same degree of protection.

When you splice the wire, not only are you effectively shortening it, but you're also effectively increasing its gauge, voiding it as a protective device.

When a fusible link is bad, you can easily pull it apart by tugging on the wires. Try to get the same exact thing that you have. They always go in bad places, like behind the engine going down to the starter.. just like you have there!

So back to my questions, can I just cut red wire right at the black cylinder and butt connect new fuseable link wire of the same guage and length as the old orange wire?

So back to my questions, can I just cut red wire right at the black cylinder and butt connect new fuseable link wire of the same guage and length as the old orange wire?
Basically yes. I had a major problem with these in an old Ford van I owned 20 years ago. You can probably still buy these at your local auto supply store, especially if they carry the HELP line brand of products. They used to sell these in all of the available gauges, and like what was posted above you need to get the same rated gauge as what is on the vehicle. I remember there was instructions on replacing the fusible link right on the back of the package. If your local stores don't carry the HELP brand, they may offer another brand.

So the black cylinders aren't something special that I need to specifically replace? A butt connector will do the job?

The black cylinder IS the fusible link, that's what goes pop when you have a current surge. A good auto parts store should be able to match up what you bring them, NAPA has a good assortment of them. The #16 is probably for 16 gage, but go by what they prescribe. Some even come with the ring terminal on them.

Bob

So the black cylinders aren't something special that I need to specifically replace? A butt connector will do the job?

Yes, a butt splice will do fine. Make sure that you get the right crimp tool though and some shrink sleeving to go over it. There are also solder sleeve types, you will need a heat gun (not a hair dryer!) to install them. Those I prefer over the crimp types, if you can borrow a heat gun and have the room to swing it, go that way.

Bob