Jump Starter ?....

hardtimes

Well-known member
From experience and from having old cars forever, IMO ..should carry a good jump starter for self help, and for helping others who have problem starting their car. Mine just went dead. Before purchasing again, thot I'd ask you guys if you have recommendation for one that you got good long service from ?
 
Several years ago I bought one from Harbor Freight. Just last year it went bad and I replaced it with another. They go on sale for about $40-$50.

There are several start-amp ratings on these things. I've seen some as little as 200 and as large as 900. The larger ones are for starting diesel engines and are expensive. This HF unit jumps my 46 HP tractor diesel just fine.
 
I used a 12 volt start pack on my 6 volt Ford a few years ago. After several tries, it did start, but I ended up with a fried fuel gage and oil pressure gage. Had to send both out to be rebuilt.
 
Get one that has a switch that energizes the battery jumper cables. I can hook up the cables then turn the switch on the battery pack to run the starter. Mine also has a 12 volt cigar plug outlet, an air compressor and I think it has a 110 AC output. I don't know the make but I carry it in whatever I'm driving. G.M.
 
Warren, That's the same/simalar thing that happened to one of the guys this spring at the Florida Barners Bash. Not going to mention names here :).
 
If you like the one you have you can get replacement batteries a most battery stores. Not hard to replace.
 
I used a 12 volt start pack on my 6 volt Ford a few years ago. After several tries, it did start, but I ended up with a fried fuel gage and oil pressure gage. Had to send both out to be rebuilt.

TIP for the future...So that you don't get gauges and other "voltage-susceptible" parts into the picture, DO NOT connect the 12v start pack to the 6v battery. Instead, connect one start-pack cable directly to the lug on the solenoid with the BIG cable going to the starter. Turn-on ignition switch (it should feed enough voltage to coil to start UNLESS 6v battery is really run-down). Now, FIRMLY hold other start pack clamp on the case of the starter. This is essentially how the 12v amperage would flow while testing a starter laying on the bench. No other part of your system will see 12 volts...ONLY the starter. DD
 
I have a 12volt starter pack I bought at Sam"s Club quite a few years. Cain't remember the name, it has a built in air compressor. I got my Model A out it's winter sleep a couple of day ago, uncovered it and it had a slack tire on rear, put the started pack air comp on it and pumped it right. It's a great thing to have around. Walt
 
Thanks, Coopman, that sounds logical to a non mechanical/electrical mind like mine. I'll try that next time.
 
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