Battery cable size question?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Enid, OK
Battery cable size question?
What gauge of cable or brand would be best for replacement battery cables and starter cable. I have a 1979 F150 with a 460 auto that slow cranks when it is hot. I checked all the connections and found a bad starter cable. I have searched this forum and have seen talk about going to a welding shop and having them build "heavy duty" cables but no specifics on gauge of cable or anything. I thought while I was at it I would replace the battery cables as well.
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Welding Wire
I replaced all of my battery and starter cables with Neoprene coated 1/0 welding wire with brass terminal ends (about 50 bucks total). I needed to go to a welding supply store to get them to crimp on the ends. They work great. My 1978 F-150 has a 460, and it had hot starting problems. With those cables, a 140 amp Powermaster alternator, new starter, Optima red top, and a new voltage regulator, it always starts right up. Also, try wrapping your starter with some insulation. There are a lot of companies that offer starter shaped wraps with crimps to secure them.
I have heard a lot of hot start problems, and it seems to be related to heat soaking the ignition module (gray box), and the starter. Good luck!
I have heard a lot of hot start problems, and it seems to be related to heat soaking the ignition module (gray box), and the starter. Good luck!
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: alberta
I replaced my starter stap neg and pos cable with 1 gauge on my 74 brronco
worked great.Knows strarts better when hot.
IUsed a 34 inc battery cable and cut the end off and soldered on a crimp type copper terminal.
Got it all and a parts store for about 50.00
i will be looking into geting some heat sheilding for my starter just the same .Sound like a good idea
Cheers
worked great.Knows strarts better when hot.
IUsed a 34 inc battery cable and cut the end off and soldered on a crimp type copper terminal.
Got it all and a parts store for about 50.00
i will be looking into geting some heat sheilding for my starter just the same .Sound like a good idea
Cheers
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
You can go to West Marine and have them use any size wire (1/0 to 4 guage) and crimp on lug ends for you. While there you can pick up marine terminals too.
I bought my 4 guage and marine terminals at NAPA and crimped my ends in a vise, that had teeth, using a cheater bar. I coated the ends with di-electric grease before crimping. The Marine cable at West Marine is basically tin coated and very nice.
I usually run a 4 guage to the block, 6 guage to frame, alternator bracket, firewall, and radiator support. Then a 12 guage to the voltage regulator case.
I bought my 4 guage and marine terminals at NAPA and crimped my ends in a vise, that had teeth, using a cheater bar. I coated the ends with di-electric grease before crimping. The Marine cable at West Marine is basically tin coated and very nice.
I usually run a 4 guage to the block, 6 guage to frame, alternator bracket, firewall, and radiator support. Then a 12 guage to the voltage regulator case.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
78 & 87 Super Cab
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
May 20, 2014 04:27 PM