Yikes!! - Replacing Battery Cable Terminal Gauge

peterb · #1 03-19-2006, 12:12 AM

A while back I had a positive terminal wing nut freeze up on a dead battery. I could only remove it by breaking open the rings to the cable ends.

I want to replace the rings. One of them goes to the engine. I have never done with before. Do I simply gcut off or twist off the old connection, and then put on new cable ends? When i do this do I need to do any soldering, crimping or some other method?

Any input so that I don't screw this up would be greatly appreciated.

TUGBOAT · #2 03-19-2006, 09:56 AM

PeterB,
If possible just change it.Chances are that the corrosion has gone up inside the insulation & will follow the wire like current. It'll go bad inside. This is one of My preventive maint. Things. I change them every couple / 3 years. Measure how long,Go to NAPPA or other Quality auto store & get the ends crimped or soldiered on. I use welding leads- Always bigger than needed.Or marine grade (best).
If You use the old then cut back till Clean wire is visible.Weakest link in the ignition system!
Scream'n reels'
Tug

peterb · #3 03-19-2006, 08:59 PM

Thanks Capt Brad.

FYI, I cleaned up all of the connections and tighted down the nuts on the batteries. Much to my surpise, it made a difference, in that my second engine turned over without a hitch.

TUGBOAT · #4 03-20-2006, 09:52 AM

Way~way back,I learned not to mess around with battery cables(Cheap & small)on My ol' '72 Olds 442 w/455. Also on a 454 jet boat. Now I put the biggest I can. Let the current flow !
Scream'n Reels'
Tug

peterb · #5 03-21-2006, 09:10 PM

As I stated in my previous message, I buttoned down everything and seem to have good power. However, I want to leave nothing to chance. The cable & connector that was giving me trouble is a positive terminal connection between one of the batteries and one of my Perko battery switches. I bought a 3 foot replacment cable. I have the following question.

Is there an easy way to remove the Perko switch/dial so that I can then get to where the cable terminates? I went to the Perko web site but they have no online instructions.

Any help would be appreciated.

Bryan A. · #6 03-21-2006, 10:16 PM

If it is the one like this

Remove the four mounting screws and turn it over and you should see three post, remove the nut for the cable you want. Sometimes the cable length may make it hard to move the switch around but it went on it should come off. Hope this helps.

peterb · #7 03-21-2006, 11:32 PM

Thanks Bryan.