Battery Cable Extension

[sjpitts]

When my battery died, I decided to upgrade to a Exide Orbital. I picked the Exide Orbital because it was commonly available--- and I hoped that because it had center posts, the stock battery cables would reach it.

Well it turned out that my cables did not fit it. The positive was still about two inches short. The negative fits, but is streched tight.

So I decided to make a cable extension. Originally, I wanted to just make a two inch extension. The problem is that the individual cable lugs are 1.5 inches a piece, so I couldn't make one that short. So I made a ten inch extension, and curved it around. I also used the miltary style battery connectors, so I could attach a second cable for my winch in the near future.

Anyway, I am not completely happy with the result. Does it look ok to you?

Should I be concerned that the negative cable is tight? I have considered cutting the end off and extending it some in some way.

I may just break down and make all new cables, although I would still have the issue of a short fusible link. Also, it appears as though the negative battery cable uses some 90 degree lug at the engine. Where can I get one of those?

Thanks

Jared

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

The previous owner of my cruiser obviously had the same problem and managed to bring the fusible links to the inside of the battery box, thereby making the cables long enough for a standard battery to be used.

I would be concerned with your setup because the positive cable looks as if it could float around a bit and possibly make contact w/ a ground 'causing a problem

 

[IdahoDoug]

Can't tell how much tension your neg cable is under, but as it comes through the grommet, I note the grommet's opening corresponds with where the cable hits - maximizing the possibility the cable will chafe there. I wouldn't be afraid of using a file to ovalize the hole in the plastic battery box downward there to relieve some pressure and rotating the grommet so its opening is upward.

DougM

 

[e9999]

I would insulate the positive connection.
Also, when I did mine recently, a careful look revealed that just bolting the 2 eyelets together gave much less surface area of contact than it appeared because of shape and holes. Given that it does feed the starter, I took a thin copper sheet and put it in between and clamped it tight. I think that does improve the contact.

 

[Turbo Turtle]

like any other application. the more conections, the more resistance. It would be best to run a single wire.