You be the Judge: Is this cable Good or Bad?

[BabyBlueBenz]

The attached photos show a negative/ground cable from the trunk-mounted battery of my '86 560SL.

If you were having starter problems...
- would you replace this terminal clamp?
- or replace the whole wire assembly?

I measured the cross section of the wire at the lug end to be about 8mm, which according to "The Engineering Toolbox" at http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/awg-wire-gauge-d_731.html equates to a "0" American Wire Gauge (AWG). Can anyone confirm or refute this as the proper wire size for the vehicle?

[nobby]

Originally Posted by BabyBlueBenz

The attached photos show a negative/ground cable from the trunk-mounted battery of my '86 560SL.

If you were having starter problems...
- would you replace this terminal clamp?
- or replace the whole wire assembly?

I measured the cross section of the wire at the lug end to be about 8mm, which according to "The Engineering Toolbox" at http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/awg-wire-gauge-d_731.html equates to a "0" American Wire Gauge (AWG). Can anyone confirm or refute this as the proper wire size for the vehicle?

Good?
Bad?
Well, it is fugly , and not OEM.

I vote for a new one.

[abiby]

I'd guess that is the original cable with a replacement battery clamp. I've used them in the past, but never with much long-term luck. I'd replace it.

Alan

[compress ignite]

Using your DMM or AMM test the resistance for that length and diameter cable.

(Now, my honest gut feelings: I suspect the area between the clamp and the
insulation has allowed CORROSION to enter the cable [AND ain't no way to
tell how far up it's "WICKED".] UNLESS all that "GOO" I see in that area is some
kind of a PRESERVATIVE [LIKE T-9/Boeshield]).

[Mike D]

Trashed. Replace it.

[waybomb]

Buy a new one.

[tecqboy]

I'd replace the entire cable assembly; they're not too expensive at the local auto parts store. I also recommend using stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers. Get them at the hardware store. Those red and green terminal savers they sell for the battery posts also work well on batteries with vents. Sealed glass mat batteries are best, but cost more.

[BabyBlueBenz]

The attached photo shows what was lurking underneath the sheathing of the old cable. Not the worst I've seen, but that cable no longer will be riding in my Mercedes.

The second photo is a replacement 2-gauge cable purchased today at my local Advanced Auto Parts store for $7.29. It's not OEM, but I hope it will contribute to the restoration of my car's ability to start (see "W107 Non-starting Grief" at W107 Non-starting Grief).

Thanks for your input. This thread is hereby closed.