The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Cooked my Batt. cable !!!

Been thinking of upgrading to 12 volts alt., (Brighter lights, electric wipers, Good tunes) Have had trouble starting my truck when it was warm. I've had to let the battery rest before she would crank with any speed at all. Sunday I skimed thru repair manual in prep to do some electrical tests. This is the time I thought I might as well "Gunk" the engine down before I get down to it.

Sunday I Gunked, an hour later I hosed everything down. Monday morning I when to start it and pull it into the garage, nothing! After a few seconds a hiss came from under the floor and as I scrambled to disconnect the battery it was to late! The neg. wire had aready parted company from the terminal. From what I gathered I was doing some arc welding down there. The "Question" is what damage did I do so far ??? What caused it ??? The 6 volt battery is taking a charge. The neg. wire to the starter did get quite warm and the terminal in the starter is loose. How should I procede from here??? Thanks to anyone that can help. Jim D.

'54 Chevy 3100, 235 with 3-speed