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changing cable from starter battery to alternator

Posted: 02 Feb 2012, 00:30
by waltraud
Can anyone tell me roughly what size and length of cable i need to but to re wire from the main starting battery back to the alternator? If anyone has done this is it fairly straightforward or does it need to pass through inaccessible areas like box section or above the fuel tank into oblivion.....i'm only going to change it if not too problematic otherwise will try to repair it 'properly'. 2nd half of story see below.



Just spent an hour outside with the AA as battery would not turn over engine. I found that the belt was slipping and very loose to tightened this up but then the AA man found that the alternator was not charging properl and then the nect minute having fiddled around a bit it was.......i'd forgotten a while ago i'd cut through the old water pipes underneath with a grinder and cut through the charing cable from bat to alt....we realised the joint i had made to repair it may have got lose so i thought perhaps it was time to fit a new cable!

Re: changing cable from starter battery to alternator

Posted: 02 Feb 2012, 23:45
by California Dreamin
170Amp should be enough on a petrol. (10mm OD)
Really not sure how dificult this would be....one thing for certain the cable ends need to be very well done carrying in excess of 120amps.

http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/p ... tegory/124" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

Re: changing cable from starter battery to alternator

Posted: 03 Feb 2012, 09:37
by Ian Hulley
The terminals need to be either soldered or hydraulically crimped on (or both).

Re: changing cable from starter battery to alternator

Posted: 03 Feb 2012, 13:08
by croc
Hi Waltraud
I'll second what Ian and Martin said.
Dont scimp on size with this length of cable for sake of a few quid.
It only needs this size when starting but with cold morning, battery low you need all battery power you can get.
Even to go up one size would not be overkill.

Your other question - I have no idea how difficult or how long it needs - sorry!!!
Good luck.