battery cable

[bobsmanstuff]

I have a question about battery cables. On my 53 239 the cable that goes to the starter is bigger then the one from the battery to the block. Should it be as big as the other one? Thanks Bob

[rockfla]

The "Hot" side or the "power" cable is always bigger than the "ground" cable. It's the one transporting the amp's.....and 6V systems are twice the amp's of a 12V system thus the need for a bigger heavier cable the further the power draw source from the battery!!

[tubman]

I don't know about '53 Fords, but the earlier ones had a braided ground strap on the positive side. It may be that someone replaced that strap with a new cable, which is it be expected. They probably used what they could find at the FLAPS, which would be for a 12 volt car and not big enough. I think you can see why they carry a lot of current.

Also, we need to remember that "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link" (or a circuit will only carry as much current as it's smallest wire.)

[meric42]

Originally Posted by rockfla

The "Hot" side or the "power" cable is always bigger than the "ground" cable. It's the one transporting the amp's.....and 6V systems are twice the amp's of a 12V system thus the need for a bigger heavier cable the further the power draw source from the battery!!

An electrical circuit is a circular system i.e. the same amount of current (amps) is passed in the hot side as in the ground side of the circuit. This means that if all cables are the same size then there will be less voltage drop in the system.

[JSeery]

I would also guess someone replaced a cable with whatever they could find locally.

[bobsmanstuff]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks for the advice guys. I picked up some 2/0 wire today and will mess with tomorrow.

[aussie merc]

theoretically what goes out must come back in so both leads should be the same size however quite often the return is smaller because the length of the cable is less and cable capacity is directly related to the length of the run [the body is used as the return conductor] any good auto elec or supplier can advise you on cable size required for the length of the run. Remember too big wont hurt to small and the starter will struggle to get the current it requires so if in doubt go larger

[cas3]

Myself, I would go bigger than 2/0. I have them made here at the local John Deere dealer

[rockfla]

AussieMerc
You said, more succinctly, what I was trying to post in #2.