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
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
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