starter / smoke/ voltmeter ? help?

[CUCV85beast]

Went to the junkyard and was lucky enough to find a few things I was looking for, get in the truck and it barely starts to turn over when suddenly it stops. I tried to start it again only to see a bunch of smoke coming from the bus bar, a small red wire with a black plastic tube on it numbered 16 was melted and actually split in two.
I clamped the wire back together and tried starting it again only to hear a single click.
The voltmeter also stopped working.
What the **** happened?

 

[CUCV85beast]

Gen 2 light also stopped working along with the volt/battery gauge

 

[erniemigi]

well you could have fried the 2 relays that are up under the dash by the big round connector

 

[doghead]

Look at the bottom most fuse in the fuse box. It will be blown.

The fusible link you described, needs to be replaced.

You may need your starter rebuilt.

 

[CUCV85beast]

The bottom most fuse is fine. The wire labeled 16 is a fusable link?thought it was but I was confused, Is the fuse sealed inside the plastic? Thought I should be able to access said fuse in link...sorry my electrical knowledge is not great.

 

[doghead]

Fusible links are not repairable, you replace them.

 

[CUCV85beast]

Oh I was under the impression you could just replace the fuse haha
Check this pic http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5185393261_07a4676e0f.jpg

 

[CUCV85beast]

is the 16 on it because its 16 amps?

 

[CUCV85beast]

Well I got the relays and a new fusible link, this one doesn't have the plastic tube on it tho... I'm assuming I just cut out the plastic from the original and splice this one in between. Hopefully this works.

 

[doghead]

Simple answer, they are color coded (your wire is red)

here's a link with good info. Fusible Links

 

[doghead]

Replace the whole fusible link, not just the black part. About 6".

 

[CUCV85beast]

Great, yeah I replaced the relays and the fusible link. Now the gen 2 light and voltmeter are back in action but still not starting. Think I need a new starter.

 

[CUCV85beast]

Really appreciate the help doghead, can't thank you enough.