Battery cable

pdora

pdora

Senior Member
What gauge battery cable is required for a 6-volt system?

My recently-acquired 1930 Tudor has rather skinny-looking cables, and the starter seems sluggish, even with a new battery fully charged (as determined by a hydrometer test of all cells).

Thanks
 
Peter,2/0 cable works well for me.Welding supply sales has that size cable and the eyelet end if you cannot find it at your local auto parts supplier.I agree with you the as the small 12v cables will cause the starter to turn over slow and they heat up quickly.As a note make sure all connections are clean and tight,but I suspect you already know that. :D
 
While you are at it, put in a full size cable to an engine ground. The transmission bolts are handy.
 
Jim Baskin III Pa. said:
Peter,2/0 cable works well for me.Welding supply sales has that size cable and the eyelet end if you cannot find it at your local auto parts supplier.I agree with you the as the small 12v cables will cause the starter to turn over slow and they heat up quickly.As a note make sure all connections are clean and tight,but I suspect you already know that. :D
Click to expand...

Did the same with my truck 2/0 welding cable from the local welding supply store. Had ends put on for all battery connections, starter and ground. Huge improvement.

The welding cable has a lot more strains of wires.

welding40.jpg
 
Further question from OP


"Had ends put on for all battery connections, starter and ground."

Can this be done by the welding supply people?

Will they cut to any length, even just a few inches?
 
I would go to Rhode Island Wiring Service at riwire.com

You can get 1, 1/0 or 2/0 (my personal choice), they will cut to the length that you need and attach the terminal ends as well. The cable is a modern cable with a cloth loom woven over it so it looks spot-on. I have them make the cables for anyy antique vehicle that I have. Just give them a call and they will be happy to help you out, and the turn around time is fairly quick as well. Also ask for them to send you a catalog.
 
I measured out all the lengths and bought a full length of wire from the welding store. We have a battery supplier here. They supply batteries for cars, boats, forklifts. I gave them all the wire and they cut it and put all the ends on it. Also shrink wrapped the ends. Wasn't the cheapest route, I think it was about $50, but they look and preform very well. Battery ground, battery to solenoid, solenoid to starter, and engine ground.
 
I think they sell by the foot. I kept the connects as short as I could. A couple were only 6" or less.
 
Thanks for all the helpful comments.

I might try the local Batteries Plus and see what they have to offer.
 
All this started because a previous owner mounted the battery in an oddball manner requiring longer than normal cables. He then proceeded to use skinny wire, probably 4 gauge.

Yesterday I managed to restore the battery to its proper place, so I have ordered traditional Model A cables which should resolve the entire issue.

Thanks for all the help and encouragement.
 
All the vendors soupply the proper cable and West Marine has 0 gauge cables and connectors if you wish to make your own.
 
Purdy Swoft said:
I agree, but the 0 size cables are usually hard to find. I also use them.
Click to expand...
pdora, Whatever cable that you end up using, I highly recommend adding an extra ground cable, even if it is a smaller size than the main cables. Here is how that I do it. The ground cable connects to the center crossmember, right behind the battery. I used a bouble eyed cable of suficient length and connect one end under the ground cable that connects to the center crossmember and connect the other end under one of the bolts that holds the transmission top in place. Make sure to remove any paint or rust if present where the cables will be connected. It will all be worth your time. The small cables that are used for 12 volt applications will quickly overheat and could be a hazard. Good luck. Purdy Swoft in HOT Alabama.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top