Pontiac: Ignition Switch, puff of smoke, fusible links

Question
Last week while trying to start my 1986 pontiac grand am a puff of smoke came rolling out from the steering column.After dismantling the column i noticed the ignition switch and wiring harness was fried.I replaced the parts and it still won't turn over.I traced the wires back and cant find any other problems.The battery is brand new and i have dash lights and lots of power,however,when I turn the key theres nothing.I'm lost.What do I do?  

Answer
Check the FUSIBLE LINKS at the stater battery post. They may appear to look OK on the outside, But they are MELTED internally.

Take a test light and tset for battery voltage at EACH end of the RUBBER COVERD vs the normal plastic covered wires at the starter post that enetnd about 4 inches up into the wiring harness.

Most cases you will have battery voltage at one end of the link but NOT at the other end.

thomas