Jump leads melting!

Post by **Balaclava** » 07 Apr 2007, 14:21

I"ve just put in a reconditioned alternator but when I tried to start the engine using jump leads, (battery is flat) the leads melt. Sparks come off the battery. Nothing happens on dash. No charge getting through. In shop they said check that the earth is in place? Gearbox to body?? Something like that. What am I doing wrong? 200 amp jump leads.

Post by **jed the spread** » 07 Apr 2007, 14:28

double check your alternator conections (make sure they are in the right place) and make sure the battery is in right in the camper. easy enough to make a mistake if your in a rush or if its going dark.

jed

Post by **Balaclava** » 07 Apr 2007, 14:31

Thanks, Jed. Will check connections. There is only one connection to the alternator, isn't there? A plug? Goes in the back.

Post by **hembo666** » 07 Apr 2007, 14:39

sounds like your getting a dead short somewhere to me

Post by **Balaclava** » 07 Apr 2007, 15:56

Sorted!

I tried again with another pair of leads and it just worked for some reason. Got it running now and will take it for a spin ti charge it up. Got my trusty AA card just in case.

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 09 Apr 2007, 15:17

Were the first set of jump leads up to the job? ie, heavy duty?

TR

Post by **DiscoDave** » 09 Apr 2007, 17:52

were the first set of jump leads connected the right way round?? might sound daft but always good to start at the obvious!

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 10 Apr 2007, 06:50

yes, and those thin jump leads that come free in a box of cornflakes(the AA give em away in a little zip bag) are scrap, they are ok for powering an amplifier. but thats all..

Post by **Balaclava** » 10 Apr 2007, 12:10

They were 200 amp leads bought for 8 quid. Maybe I just didn't connect them right. Mind you the ones I borrowed later were heavy duty looking.