Jumpstarting
11-20-2007, 04:37 PM
#11
Sep 08' TOTM Winner
guys, my fraternity does a homecoming float every year. the floats are actually old buses that we cut adn build on top of, like the size of the rose bowl parade. when i was driving the float to the parade and back to the float site, i used my truck numerous times to jump a bus. it was fine after that, maybe though thats why my battery died after 30k. its fine to jump, and ive jumped other cars before with no hitch
11-20-2007, 05:29 PM
#12
Senior Member
Red-to-red, black-to-black is fine as long as the colors are present on the battery or battery cables to match up to.
If you have a buddy hooking up the other vehicle, confirm that he/she understands/confirms that red is positive. Well, don't suppose it HAS to be red for positive, but whichever way you choose to do it, ensure both ends of the same cable are hooked up to the same terminals. Drastically increases the entertainment value if something is crossed.
If the vehicle is very old, may want to check the battery terminals for the (+ or POS) and (- or NEG) inscriptions. Know of a few people that have replaced cables using the wrong colors.
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Floats, homecoming? Isn't it getting kind of late for that - thought that stuff was usually in Oct??
If you have a buddy hooking up the other vehicle, confirm that he/she understands/confirms that red is positive. Well, don't suppose it HAS to be red for positive, but whichever way you choose to do it, ensure both ends of the same cable are hooked up to the same terminals. Drastically increases the entertainment value if something is crossed.
If the vehicle is very old, may want to check the battery terminals for the (+ or POS) and (- or NEG) inscriptions. Know of a few people that have replaced cables using the wrong colors.
****
Floats, homecoming? Isn't it getting kind of late for that - thought that stuff was usually in Oct??
11-21-2007, 02:08 PM
#13
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DOn't care what you say....
But I will never jump another vehicle with my battery. Considering the sophistcated electronics that are on todays vehicles, I will never use my connected battery to jump any vehicle. And that said, I bought a portable jumper. It was recommended to me, buy the mechanical types, that it should no longer be done. It is more the sophisticated electronics that could be damaged moreso than the alternator. All it takes is one small mistake, or for something to be wrong with the other guys car, and Zap!. I just won't do it. And I don't recommend anyone else doing it. I wouldn't even jump my wife's van.
Last edited by wesbilly; 11-21-2007 at 03:25 PM.
11-21-2007, 02:13 PM
#14
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By the way.........
If you are going to do it.... The + to + and the - to - is not necessarily correct. You should put the - to the frame of the vehicle. This will help with that exploding battery thing. And of course the + to +. But again, I wouldn't do it.
11-21-2007, 06:56 PM
#16
Senior Member
I think the issue is with any hydrogen that may be present as a result of battery gassing, particularly since the dead battery may be in an unstable state due to its discharged condition.
Hydrogen is a very, very dangerous and lonely gas - makes a very excited Ka-BLOO-ee exclamation whenever it finds a suitable mate, such as oxygen, and hooks up with the help of an ignition source.
By making the final connection on the motor, frame, or other suitable chunk of metal, any sparking will take place away from the battery.
I think 'wesbilly' has a point - the electronics on today's vehicles are much like any other electronics devices - susceptible to failure on voltage surges and current shorts.
Hydrogen is a very, very dangerous and lonely gas - makes a very excited Ka-BLOO-ee exclamation whenever it finds a suitable mate, such as oxygen, and hooks up with the help of an ignition source.
By making the final connection on the motor, frame, or other suitable chunk of metal, any sparking will take place away from the battery.
I think 'wesbilly' has a point - the electronics on today's vehicles are much like any other electronics devices - susceptible to failure on voltage surges and current shorts.
11-21-2007, 08:00 PM
#17
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wde is correct on both accounts...
The ground to the frame helps with the exploding battery risk. It is what is the best for the sake of safety. It take the spark away from the gases of the battery if it is an older battery. I do this with the jumper packs as well.
And true the packs last a year or two, maybe three if you take care of it, and the quality is getting better. But considering the alternative, I will buy one every couple of years. Besides, I use mine for tailgating and alternative power when necessary.
I just will not jump another car, and don't recommend anyone else doing it.
And won't let anyone jump my vehicles off with their battery.
Technology does have an effect on things. I remember when my dad would never set a battery directly on the concrete floor 'cause he said it would kill it. Now the plastic cases are better and it does not matter.
WDE You da' MAN.......
And true the packs last a year or two, maybe three if you take care of it, and the quality is getting better. But considering the alternative, I will buy one every couple of years. Besides, I use mine for tailgating and alternative power when necessary.
I just will not jump another car, and don't recommend anyone else doing it.
And won't let anyone jump my vehicles off with their battery.
Technology does have an effect on things. I remember when my dad would never set a battery directly on the concrete floor 'cause he said it would kill it. Now the plastic cases are better and it does not matter.
WDE You da' MAN.......
Last edited by wesbilly; 11-21-2007 at 08:04 PM.
11-21-2007, 08:17 PM
#19
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