positive battery wire getting hot

[paddy1470]

i have noticed when driving the positive battery terminal becomes hot .if u have to restart van when it is hot it sounds like battery is flat but in mornings not a problem .there is a split starter system on it [zig electronics system].it has a 2l cu air cooled engine many thanks for help 2 cure problem

[Hacksawbob]

take the battery leads off and check for corrosion/damaged make sure the earths on both batteries are connected to good solid metal and there is no corrosion where the lead connects to the body work. It may have another cause but this is a good starting point.

[paddy1470]

i will try that first thanks

[California Dreamin]

Dirty/loose connections creates a high resistance for the current to flow...high resistance creates heat....cure the poor connection you cure the heat.

Martin

[paddy1470]

thanks for the advice

[California Dreamin]

The strange thing here is the 'leads' are designed to carry the 140 - 200 amps required for starting (if only for short periods).
Once the starter motor has done it's bit, the current flow drops to a much lower level (discharge to anchilleries and charge to keep the battery topped up) so even with lights/stereo/blowers and engine running the level of current flow is much less (30- 60amps) and well within the handling of these very heavy duty leads.

As I said..loose and corroded connections, old braided leads that have partially broken or eroded internally all increase the resistace and generate heat.

Martin