Bus won't start, just clicks

[eagle19952]

Here's what I did for my 4/0 cables.  They've been working great for 14 years now.  Absolutely no problems. I buffed the ends last year when I replaced my batteries.

http://www.gumpydog.com/Bus/MC9_WIP/Electrical/Batteries/batteries.htm

you probably know then that:
a.wire needs to be clean
b.not oxidized
b1. baking soda won't help
c.proper solder type
d.proper flux type
e.most people think they can solder properly
f.most can't

[luvrbus]

Back to the original programing where is Scott has he solved the problem or not 

[Oonrahnjay]

you probably know then that:   ...
e.most people think they can solder properly
f.most can't

     Exactly.  This is a soldering job that's critical and difficult.  If the terminal and copper conducting strands in the cable get too hot, they're damaged and oxidized.  Also, the common mistake of getting too much solder in the joint makes a "solid plug" of strands and solder outside the terminal barrel that's rigid -- and that plug is attached to the cable strands which are flexible.  Wanna guess what happens at the point where the flexible part meets the rigid part???

[luvrbus]

Fusion terminals take that part away,I use a lot of fusion type with a good heat shrink with the sealant I think it is some kind of silicone inside the tube it is not cheap to buy either.When soldering a terminal on which I don't do much I use a jewelers paste on the cables to keep the solder from wicking     

[kyle4501]

.. and i don't think snipping a few strands off of 4/0 hurts anything if one considers that the lug is pretty much (theoretically) a portion of the cross sectional area when compressed...

I wouldn't snip a few strands unless I was stuck somewhere & that was the only option to get home - where I would fix it.

I damn sure wouldn't short cut any repair I am doing at home! (Well, not on purpose anyways . . . .)

[eagle19952]

I wouldn't snip a few strands unless I was stuck somewhere & that was the only option to get home - where I would fix it.

I damn sure wouldn't short cut any repair I am doing at home! (Well, not on purpose anyways . . . .)

a few is 2 or 3... not 16 or 20.......

[Geoff]

a few is 2 or 3... not 16 or 20.......

I always thought 2-3 were a "couple of,"  and "a few" was just more than a "couple" with no determinate amount but less than a sh-t load.

--Geoff

[Scott & Heather]

Hi...not yet. I have been in South Dakota giving concerts so I've been away from the coach. Been crazy. I have to get the batteries tested. I know those clamps look cheap but that's what came with the coach and for two years has been starting it just fine until literally a few months agp


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[kyle4501]

a few is 2 or 3... not 16 or 20.......

It sounded like you were going to snip enough off of a 4/0 to make it a 3/0 at the end so it would fit into a 3/0 connector. . . .

[busfan]

Seen solenoids on ebay for 20-30 bucks recently

[Lin]

I understand that there are better ways to terminate cables than the readily available, cheap connectors, but is there any data on what the difference in resistance is between them and the premium methods?  It would seem that if they are really bad the resistance and voltage drop would be measurable.

[bigred]

Scott:Most Electric Supply Store's will have 4/0 connectors  ,but if the cable is like welding cable you either drop a size or go up a size .Non the less 3/0 ,4/0 AND 250.MCM ARE ALL common sizes ,plus most good electrical houses will rent you a hydraulic crimp tool which will put so much pressure on the crimp ,it will look like the whole thing is fused together. I am partial to the Thomas and Betts lugs but there are several good lines out there .This is assuming you have the studded batteries

[eagle19952]

It sounded like you were going to snip enough off of a 4/0 to make it a 3/0 at the end so it would fit into a 3/0 connector. . . .

if it took that many that would be a roadside cobble....which would necessitate a shop redo...hopefully there would be an extra inch...
i hate it when they under length a cable/wire as much as under size....GM started that in the mid 70's...