9 replies to this topic

[dan_w]

Hi

I hope someone can help, I will be looking to run a replanement battery cable from the battery to the starter motor as I have relocated my battery. I have followed a few links from other topics on here to buy new cable but I have a load of cable left over from the days when I had big ICE installed.

The cable I have is marked "12v DC 20mm^2 (AWG4)" will this be ok to run to the starter. My guess is it wont be, but seeing i have a load of it kicking around seems silly to buy some if this will do the job.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

[pbrain]

where have you put the battery? I should imagine the starter is going to pull 200-300 amps (maybe more) so, i would guess after a few seconds of starting current a 4 guage cable may start getting hot, let alone a lengthy problem start. I would personally get proper rated starter cable with thicker strands

I've got my battery where the heater used to be and i've used 0 guage from nearly all connections inc Alternator to Main battery (then standard cable from alternator to starter motor)

[Dan]

I wouldn't use 20mm cable, it's only good for about 140 amps or so. You should be using around 40mm cable. It occurs to me that there's no way you can be moving your battery further away from the starter than it is as standard so you must be moving it closer. So why not just cut down your standard cable and fit a new connector to the end?

I've got my battery where the heater used to be and i've used 0 guage from nearly all connections inc Alternator to Main battery (then standard cable from alternator to starter motor)

Why have you wired the alternator to both the battery and the starter solenoid? It only needs one or the other.

[dan_w]

Thanks Guys, I thought this would be the case, looks like i will be looking at some new cable then.

Dan, I have removed the battery box from the boot therefore if i fit the battery in the same location it will be raised and need about another 6 inches of cable. Anoying hey. I have thought about relocating to the back seat and using the original cable made shorter so may take this option as it will be a fair bit easier.

[Ethel]

you could just add a short length of cable - good excuse to install a battery isolator switch.

[Twincam]

... good excuse to install a battery isolator switch.

It would add security too!

[pbrain]

I wouldn't use 20mm cable, it's only good for about 140 amps or so. You should be using around 40mm cable. It occurs to me that there's no way you can be moving your battery further away from the starter than it is as standard so you must be moving it closer. So why not just cut down your standard cable and fit a new connector to the end?

I've got my battery where the heater used to be and i've used 0 guage from nearly all connections inc Alternator to Main battery (then standard cable from alternator to starter motor)

Why have you wired the alternator to both the battery and the starter solenoid? It only needs one or the other.

it's a simple & efficient wiring solution! The main battery (Red-top) goes to the alternator via 0 guage cable & 200amp resetable fuse, then a standard, short cable goes from alternator to starter motor...

...the audio section is then fed from the Red-top through 0 guage cable, 250amp relay & another 200amp reset fuse to the bank of Yellow-tops.

Edited by pbrain, 13 February 2010 - 10:06 AM.

[Dan]

Oh I see, you mean a standard starter cable from the alternator to the starter as in something from Halfords or somewhere. I though you meant one feed from the alternator to the solenoid / main front to rear battery cable using small gauge wiring as in the standard Mini setup and an additional run from the alternator to the battery directly. That seemed odd, obviously!

[MINI in Black]

pbrain just been working it out and you have over 8 grand in your system awsome

[pbrain]

pbrain just been working it out and you have over 8 grand in your system awsome

...daft thing is, i haven't even got a basic HU in my main car! The Mini has been sitting untouched in a garage since last summer...weather & disposable income against me (i've had no real work for ages...the Mini needs the clutch doing and the HIF44 fitting, just daft jobs and time really)

I'd love to get it finished this summer and maybe take it to some meetings.

I did work it out that the RRP of the audio is about £12-14k (don't let the missus know tho!)