wiring from battery to starter

[ermie571]

sorry - another question

the starter motor is comprised of a solenoid and the starter. Am I right in thinking that the cable connections are to the solenoid, then the one to the starter mechanism is built into the starter??


What does the cable marked 50 do??
Is it a link back to the battery? Or the no-charge indicator??


Em
xx

[bigherb]

What is the wire marked D+ on the alternator....is this the charge wire??? (the one that lights on the dash when its NOT charging properly)
ta

Yes

50 is the cable from the ignition/starter switch.

Batteries work better in a cooler environment, it is the best place inside the vehicle and closer to the switches and fusebox at the front.

[ermie571]

Bigherb...thanks xx

[bigherb]

the starter motor is comprised of a solenoid and the starter. Am I right in thinking that the cable connections are to the solenoid, then the one to the starter mechanism is built into the starter??

xx

The motor connection is bolted to the solenoid. (the cruddy one on your solenoid).

[1664]

Ok, so that's that sorted which just leaves this question I asked on page 1

Hmm, Blue watercooled petrol Haynes Manual shows 35mm for "1.9 litre carburettor engines" page 12.22 and 70mm for "typical battery, starter and alternator" page 12.25.
Wonder why the DG is smaller?

Anybody know?

[ermie571]

its a bit wierd.....

you've seen the two pics I put up of my starting batteries....well, both would have been 1.9 from factory. The later one bing 1990 G on a velle, and the earlier 1984 A on a panel (then converted to a camper). The later one has the 70mm jobbie, the earlier one is much thinner...maybe the 35mm?

Em
xx

[ermie571]

Well...have ordered 5m of 70mm cable (what I don't use will be a useful earth cable) and 5m of the 10 mm cable.




next daft question -I'm full of them...if I want the ring on the end.....I need it to be for the 70mm cable...but what size hole...m8, m10?? what is best....I am happy to procure a new battery terminal if folk think that is the way to go....but I don't want to buy rubbish...any tips on what to aim at?? Is the ring better than the two bolts onto the cable?

And yes....I am keeping a log of all this stuff and why....I may be a useful shopping list for the wiki to supplement Covkids already brilliant thread

Regards

Em
xx

[CovKid]

It makes a hell of a difference replacing these cables Em. I'm not sure why the guage for the DG was smaller either but better thicker than thinner thats for sure. Besides, with what amounts to a four metre run, you you want good quality cable and connectors that are up to the job.

Often you'll find theres a big copper connector on the thick cable at the starter but a good ring connector will be fine if everything is clean. I actually filed my connector slightly to reveal the brass/copper beneath. Not sure it makes that much difference, but I did it anyway. Just try to do a really good job, seal the ends with shrink tubing and lose those crimp connectors - its pays in the long run.

Its very satisfying when you've made a soldered and sealed connector. It surpasses what was there even from new, particularly if you're uprating the cable. Any non-start scenario in the future will be so much easier to diagnose!

My thanks to 1664 without whose help, I could not have sourced the right components. I couldn't find what I wanted in accessory shops at all. You may need to go to an electrical wholesalers - they certainly have good ring connectors.

[ermie571]

Thanks Covkid, a little update. So. ..the starter is off. The connections were a little rusty so I have been at them with sandpaper and a small screwdriver. Interestingly there was an awful lot of black dust compacted on it which I have cleaned off. I cab turn the motor by hand...it rumbles but it doesn't feel tight. I can also pull the drive forwards and the spring returns it. Does that sound right?

Everything is just dirty..
.

I think that is the big copper washer you were talking about. So after cleaning it up I can lose it? The other connector was none to pretty either.

Here's the motor after I have been at it....do you think this looks reasonable?


Will keep you updated.

Em
X

[ermie571]

Ok....before and after


And after



How much would this help?

Em
X

[CovKid]

A hell of a lot. Nice bit of work there. Give me a shout when you get near the point of fitting ring connectors. Least I can do is tell you what NOT to do.

[1664]

I couldn't find what I wanted in accessory shops at all. You may need to go to an electrical wholesalers - they certainly have good ring connectors.

You won't get that type of cable off the shelf at an electrical wholesalers; their bog standard 25mm cable is made up of very few strands (7 I think) in comparison to what I gave Ralph and it will be far too inflexible to be utilised for this job. They could get it for you but you'd probably have to buy an entire drum so that's out too. You'll find sourcing it isn't necessarily that difficult using google etc, it's finding someone willing to supply it in such a small quantity that will scupper you.

[ermie571]

Hi 1664 and covkid

I have purchased 70mm2 cable for £8 a meter from the ebay link earlier in the thread (advertised as welding cable). It was indeed the most reasonable in price per meter, and came with free delivery. When it arrives I will make sure its not just a few strands...the e-bay pic does show it multi-stranded...but to be honest I didn't realise that would be an issue. Might be worth noting in the wiki?

Another email purchase has provided 5m of 10mm cable for 12.50 again with free delivery, advertised for alternators etc, so hoping this is correct as well.

It is only the ring connectors I need now. I am hoping my electrical wholesaler round the corner will be able to help when I roll up with the cable, the starter and the battery terminals and my best "I is a dumb woman please can you help me" look lol!! (actually, they are pleasantly surprised when lady who doesn't mind getting her hands dirty appears at the trade desk!) If no joy...it will be a third e-bay purchase.

Once all the parts are obtained, I have the joyous task of getting under the van and doing the battery to starter measurement. I have ordered 5m of the 70mm - the remainder will make some nice earth cable! once I have identified how long...it will be off to my local garage to have the wire cut and the ends soldered. Covkid thanks for the offer...I will get in touch...but I won't be doing it myself. Having gotten thus far...I shall have someone capable do it!!

I am so looking forward to better starting...and hoping for a lot fewer non-starting issues!!

Thanks for the continued assistance - hopefully all this information and pictures will help someone else in the future.

Em
xx

[ermie571]

Ok quick update. Cable procured and one end welded. Starting much better with all the starter motor connection cleaned

Getting there slowly. X

[Oldiebut goodie]

What a mess a hacksaw makes of cutting the cable - one swift thump with a 7lb hammer on a brick bolster gives a nice clean cut!