main fuse

I agree with Mike above. It should be a fusible link. Trace the wire, it should be a battery feed. Other common usual areas to check are the bulkhead connector at the firewall for corroson or burnt wires. If you have an ammeter connected it is another cause of problems. You should find the wiring diagram for your car to trace and test.
What he said. Or just wait for the smoke and fire to appear.
Keep a couple or Three extinguishers with you if you drive it.