The Ford Barn

bunnyc · 08-12-2016, 12:57 PM

I'm aware that the positive and negative posts on batteries are different diameters. Positive is larger than negative. This causes a slight problem with positive ground systems. Battery cable clamps are sized for the more common negative ground system.

On to my experience today; came out of Lowe's to a no start situation. Step on the starter and there was silence. My first thought was to check the battery cables. Sure enough the cable on the negative post was loose. The clamp bolt is tight, but I was able to twist it slightly on the battery post and it started right up.

Got home and installed a sheet metal screw between the clamp and post to secure it as a temporary/permanent fix.

Maybe the vendors have a cable with the proper battery clamp; I'll check.
I could also remove the present cable and grind off some of the lug so the bolt will tighten the clamp on the post.

I mention all this in case someone else has a similar experience. Check the easy things first.

08-12-2016, 12:57 PM	#1
bunnyc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: KY Posts: 296	Battery posts I'm aware that the positive and negative posts on batteries are different diameters. Positive is larger than negative. This causes a slight problem with positive ground systems. Battery cable clamps are sized for the more common negative ground system. On to my experience today; came out of Lowe's to a no start situation. Step on the starter and there was silence. My first thought was to check the battery cables. Sure enough the cable on the negative post was loose. The clamp bolt is tight, but I was able to twist it slightly on the battery post and it started right up. Got home and installed a sheet metal screw between the clamp and post to secure it as a temporary/permanent fix. Maybe the vendors have a cable with the proper battery clamp; I'll check. I could also remove the present cable and grind off some of the lug so the bolt will tighten the clamp on the post. I mention all this in case someone else has a similar experience. Check the easy things first.