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| | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,644 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,644 | Simple question guys.....recently when a low battery left me stranded in the parking lot I declined offers for a jump start due to my original 6 Volt system and opted for a tow up a hill and then a push downhill where I popped the clutch. Only took me 5 attempts and 5 different volunteers! I'd much rather have been able to jump start the old truck. My question is did I do the right thing in refusing the jumps or would it have been alright?
Thanks guys | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 63 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 63 | I was in a similar boat when I first took possession of my bolt... With my grandpa hollering, "Don't leave the cables on too long you'll burn the points!" I got it running to make the 30 mile trip to my house from his. I'm still running the same points, so I guess it was ok, though I wouldn't make a habit of it. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | Why not just pop the clutch while you're being towed? No need to go through all the hassle of finding a hill to roll down. The occasional 12 volt jump start is probably more dangerous to the vehicle doing the boosting than the one getting the jump. Alternators and other items with solid-state electronics are suceptible to voltage spikes that can do a lot of damage in an instant. Fuel injected vehicles with computers are particularly suceptible, as well as anti-lock brake computers, memory circuits in radios, power seats, and a lot of other sophisticated electronics. The primitive electrical system on a stovebolt truck doesn't have much to worry about on a quick boost start with 12 volts. Justg stay away from both batteries when you make the final connection. There will be lots of sparks, and one flash near the top of a battery can cause it to blow up from the hydrogen it gives off.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 295 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 295 | Many advocate a 6 volt starter installed when converting to 12 volt. While I do not think it is a good thing long term, putting 12 V on a 6V starter will (should ??) not hurt it if done for 15 sec or less.
On a stuck and need to jump to get home I see no problem
EXCEPT paralleling the batteries with only jumpers. There will be arcing - I would make the final connection on the low (I assume 6 V - uhh why would you jump from a dead 12 V) battery ie the 6V. It would be best to have a relay make the connection but I have yet to see a relay in jumper cables and who really carries a spare relay?
Dan Bentler | | |
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