Quick question about battery cables.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 238
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From: Laramie, WY
Quick question about battery cables.
So on my seemingly never ending quest of turning this pickup into a reliable vehicle one thing will get fixed and three more issues will pop up.
I replaced my positive battery cable about 2 months ago. Well my sister couldn't get the pickup started the other day. She has it because she killed her's and my mom's this weekend and needed something to get back to school with. Anyway, I had an issue last week where it seemed like the battery was low, but a simple wiggling of the positive cable would get it started just fine. Well she claimed the alternator was dead and all this other nonsense that I know wasn't true. After all, if the alternator wasn't working then no amount of wiggling the cable would get it to start. She ended up having someone replace that positive cable, apparently there was a several inches long split in the insulation.
Any idea what causes the insulation on a new cable to split? I've tried google searches with no luck. Heat? I wouldn't think two months of occasional use would be enough to weaken the casing.
I replaced my positive battery cable about 2 months ago. Well my sister couldn't get the pickup started the other day. She has it because she killed her's and my mom's this weekend and needed something to get back to school with. Anyway, I had an issue last week where it seemed like the battery was low, but a simple wiggling of the positive cable would get it started just fine. Well she claimed the alternator was dead and all this other nonsense that I know wasn't true. After all, if the alternator wasn't working then no amount of wiggling the cable would get it to start. She ended up having someone replace that positive cable, apparently there was a several inches long split in the insulation.
Any idea what causes the insulation on a new cable to split? I've tried google searches with no luck. Heat? I wouldn't think two months of occasional use would be enough to weaken the casing.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Just a thought...
Perhaps just inferior molded casing...If it's manufactured in China, I would guess Most likely. I have gotten those cheap alligator clips from Wal-mart, with wire attatched and the rubber will break in cold weather..never seen that in the past. I always get my electrical system wiring from Carquest here. I picked up 1awg Postive cable for my 3g alternator upgrade for I think $35. Not cheap, but in cold weather it was still pliable. Has been on there for @ least 2 maybe 3 years. I would look to see where the cable was manufactured that went bad on you and then check around @ some different places in the future for locally made wiring....I.e. Canada, US.
In any case, I would check with the store you bought from to ask for a refund.
Perhaps just inferior molded casing...If it's manufactured in China, I would guess Most likely. I have gotten those cheap alligator clips from Wal-mart, with wire attatched and the rubber will break in cold weather..never seen that in the past. I always get my electrical system wiring from Carquest here. I picked up 1awg Postive cable for my 3g alternator upgrade for I think $35. Not cheap, but in cold weather it was still pliable. Has been on there for @ least 2 maybe 3 years. I would look to see where the cable was manufactured that went bad on you and then check around @ some different places in the future for locally made wiring....I.e. Canada, US.
In any case, I would check with the store you bought from to ask for a refund.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 983
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From: Colorado Springs CO
If you go up to your '92 then, yes, it's a whole different ball game...
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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Had that happen to mine. The green oxide begins where the lead terminal is and then starts creeping down into the cable and the cable housing starts bulging out. I was able to tell it was my cable (after replacing the alternator and that clip on the starter) by bypassing it with a jumper cable.
I just cut the bulging corroded end off and attached a new piece of cable with an end on it.
It's just corrosion . . . that's all.
I just cut the bulging corroded end off and attached a new piece of cable with an end on it.
It's just corrosion . . . that's all.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 238
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From: Laramie, WY
Well there was not noticeable corrosion, it was a clear cased wire from Advanced Auto and I didn't seen any. I'd take it back but I'm sure my sister probably threw it away.
I have no idea what she replaced it with but I'll know something is going on if it doesn't last long either.
I have no idea what she replaced it with but I'll know something is going on if it doesn't last long either.
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