Battery cable
 

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

Re: Battery cable
 

at least o or1cable for 6 volt system

Re: Battery cable
 

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

Re: Battery cable
 

While you are at it, put in a full size cable to an engine ground. The transmission bolts are handy.

Re: Battery cable
 

I agree, but the 0 size cables are usually hard to find. I also use them.

Re: Battery cable
 

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.

http://www.directwire.biz/Closeups/welding40.jpg

Re: Battery cable
 

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?

Re: Battery cable
 

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.

Re: Battery cable
 

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.

Re: Battery cable
 

I think they sell by the foot. I kept the connects as short as I could. A couple were only 6" or less.

Re: Battery cable
 

Auto Zone carries them in the size and length you need---and zero and one, are just fine. I wouldn't use anything smaller than a size two.

Jack

Re: Battery cable
 

Picture

Re: Battery cable
 

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

I might try the local Batteries Plus and see what they have to offer.

Re: Battery cable
 

Batteries Plus had nothing to offer, much to surprise.

Re: Battery cable
 

No welding stores in your area? Or just go with autozone (retail) cables. Might be the least painless path for what it's worth.

Googled this in Covington Ga, close? Maybe worth a call.

Odyssey Battery Sales
10117 Industrial Drive
Covington Ga. 30015

Tel. (770)787-8311
Fax.(770)787-8313

http://odysseybatterysales.com/cgi-b...-battery-sales

Re: Battery cable
 

Yes, is close.
Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Battery cable
 

The starter cables I've used from Bratton's have worked well for me.

Re: Battery cable
 

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.

Re: Battery cable
 

All the vendors soupply the proper cable and West Marine has 0 gauge cables and connectors if you wish to make your own.

Re: Battery cable
 

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.