Editing S30/FuseBlockproblems (section)

=== S30 Early Z Car Fuse Block Melt Down Problem ===

https://z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/Fuse%20Box/meltedfusebox.jpg

The early Z cars have a common problem where the fuse block plastic melts due to corrosion build up on the back side of the fuse block connectors where the main lead from the battery connects. When the electrical resistance caused by the corrosion reaches a certain point the metal connectors and their supporting base heat up to the point that the fuse block plastic base melts to the point that either the fuse end connector comes loose or a fusible link in the wiring harness fails.

If the main fusible link between the fuse block and the battery malfunctions or a previous owner has replaced the fusible link with a non-fusible wire, there can occur a costly wiring harness melt down under the dash or in the engine compartment.

New owners need to be alert for this potentially serious problem hidden out of view. Visually check the fuse block before buying a used 240Z. Fuse blocks with modest damage can often be repaired if detected in time.

https://z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/Fuse%20Box/my-melted-fuse-box-2.jpg
Typical damage on corroded 240Z fuse block

The corrosion starts here because the fuse clips are made of brass, and the terminal rivets appear to be steel. They are not soldered together, but depend upon metal to metal contact. These are "dissimilar metals", and corrosion starts working between the rivet head and the fuse clip. Corrosion = resistance = heat, hence melting plastic and melting at the ends of the fuse internally.