I've redone the video about upgrading battery cables so they equally draw current from both batteries based on the additional testing done over the coldest temperatures of my winter. It was shot in 1080 if you have that option for viewing, otherwise YT knocks it down for transmission.

It incorporates the previous video done summer 2015 but includes another cable I found to be restrictive for those of us in cold temps.

Editing a few more on cabling and alternators.

 

Very informative!

 

Very well done Jack!

 

Thanks guys. I wanted to encompass some of the thread discussion points after the other vid and what I found over the winter. But I though data and explanation was more important then just watching the ammeter.

I think the next priority will be on system negative side (grounding) as those measurements have surprised me and hold off a little on the alternators.

 

Fabulous final product Jack!!!

3 cheers for Jack!!:

I'm sending a PM to John to get this into the Tech Section. What a nice piece of investigative work, and then documentation of findings as well as how-to video....

 

@USCG_PA you should probably see this.

Excellent video and well done.

 

Nice Video Jack! Good, very complete info and well presented. (Can't rep ya again yet)

 

What Lug Post Size are you using for both ends?

Edit: Ok, saw your build sheet at the end 5/16". Good job on the video. Just got anxious.

 

For the negative side cable that can change if you are going to connect down by the PS pump to one of those locations. Then you need to go to 1/2" lug. That's in the earlier verbiage but not the build list. Also down there you can go with a shorter cable, but unfortunately I don't have that length. When I first did the negative side last year I was focused on getting the connection off the head and making sure no one came up with a too short cable. It wasn't until this rework that I brought those lower ones into play.

 

Wow. That is the most comprehensive auto electrical video I have ever seen. Props to you.

So, I will be adding a 24" 1/0 ground cable along with a 70" 1/0 positive cable.

Any chance of a link to your prefered ebay vendor?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290774638618?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=590080451246&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

Randy's quicker then I am. They also have a direct site too with more options. There also is another good supplier too, GenuineDealz. I've used them both depending what I've needed for the on road vehicles and the farm.

When I get down to my computer I'm going to attach the spreadsheet that I made to calculate cable voltage values. I really find it useful to figure out cable sizing.

 

Thanks Randy.

Jack,
I actually have the cables in my cart from GenuineDealz but they do not offer 1/4" terminals.

Gregs Marine direct site has all the options I need. Ordering now.

https://gregsmarinewiresupply.com/in...&product_id=68

 

Each vendor has their own unique items, so like you I search for product, cost and shipping time. I need to order a new cable for a tractor today!

This is the Excel calculator I made up that mimics Bulk Wires's old site. Of course you need to have Microsoft Excel on your computer to use it. It's good to have in your back pocket if your adding lights, winches, amps, etc, anything that requires wiring and you need to calculate the size. For many things a 2% drop is acceptable, but I prefer to look at the actual voltage drop.

I prefer this as you can add any voltage you want to, as an example the 10.5 volts that the batteries drop to under cold start conditions. Voltage pressure will alter the current flow properties so I really wanted to have that option. Same when your looking at alternator wiring, what voltage (13.6 to 14.4). I just prefer a more precise option then what Wire Barn or other sites give.

 

I second that!!! EXCELLENT!!

It was interesting to see that Ford suggested and additional ground wire under high current demands! Did anyone else see that which Jack pointed out? If this was added at first assembly this would have cured the grounding issue we see that's missing on the driver side. Another bean counter at it, I say.

Thx!