maybe I should use loops, and take the alternator bolt off when using my clamps...
I have a really nice ground clamp for my mig. I'll compare what I have...

John,
Make sure the wire is attaches to the copper jaw, not the clamp handle, with a copper bolt & nut or the wire is clamped into a cast brass arm (not as good). The cheap useless ones have the wire crimped into a folded steel handle, often copper plated to look good, they get hot under load.
You can get 600amp rated crocodile clamps, they are like the ones we have here for our machinery. They are about 40 years old, they were my grandfathers.

got pics of those?

John,
These is the sort of thing I am suggesting. The 5-600 amp ones are better.

http://www.migtigarc.co.uk/ARC_Consumables/1083_Earth_Clamp_Croc_200amp.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/WELDING-EARTH-CLAMP-500-AMP-/400134078812

You will see on the ebay one that it has a section of earth strap connecting both sides of the jaw. this stops the clamp from getting so hot.
Bet you can get them cheaper locally to you.

These pics are much clearer than my bad attempts at digital photography !!

The one on the left in the attached pic is better than the one on the right as it has a brass connection bolt.
You need to tie the cable to the handle so that it doesnt flex on the connection & fail in time.
I suspect you could make a set for under $100, Every time you help some one, offer to sell them for $250.
Just a thought.

Hope that helps!!

Good Luck !!

Recycled
 

for new members.

My operating suggestions for using jumper cables:

First, Diesels have enormous batteries, so if you get one low enough to need a jumper cable it will suck an enormous amount of juice from the car offering the jump. It often will not turn over even with a jump until you have allowed the alternator on the other car a chance to build it up a little.

Second, get a good bite on the big lead portion of the battery clamp and when you attach the clamps, wiggle them into the lead clamp a bit to assure a good contact.

I have some decent jumper cables but none the quality of the best ones shown here in this thread. I have always been able to get the car started using the more ordinary ones by being patient and making sure of getting a good bite on the clamps.

Good luck everybody!;)

Brian,
I agree. I've been thinking of adding a large smooth bolt surface to the side of the clamp, to which you connect the battery cables from car to be started, jumping exclusively with the battery from the "donor" car. It's then pretty easy to reconnect the cables to the battery of the car that's been jumped, and less problem with damaging the battery of the car that started the dead one.

Haven't decided if I want to make this out of steel or copper. Easy enough to do with a drill press and lathe.

so what are the safety requirements/rules when it comes to installing remote battery terminals? what's the easiest and safest way of doing this?

I suppose you can certainly improve on those clamps, if you spend some time with it.

I decided to get a new pair of 2 gauge cables with the standard clamps............I think I used them once in 10 years. Now, if I was a tow truck operator...............

OK
 

My wife had a dead battery this week on her domestic gasser.

Thankfully I carry heavy jumper cables and a tool bag in all of my diesels.

* A quick jump.
* Cruise to the nearest part store.
* Remove the battery.
* The battery tested, dead cell (five years old).
* New battery installed.
* Charging circuit tested 14.5v :)

Wife is back on the road smiling. :D

.

Brand new battery: $100.

Heavy jumper cables: $100.

Having a mechanic as your husband: PRICELESS :D

BATTERY CHOICE FOR OUR MB DIESELS?
 

ANSWER/ADVISE - PLS?

THANKS, ROY......MY 06 E320 CDI's GETTIN' CLOSE TO NEEDING ONE. :o

Replace your car battery with capacitors! 12V BoostPack Update - YouTube

Unfortunately the GP cycle would deplete a capacitors charge in our case. Joules...

Answer
 

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/141516-battery-selection-charging-system-jump-starting-cold-weather-battery-issues.html#post1058189

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/91924-where-find-really-good-battery.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/102886-battery-your-diesel.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/141498-what-type-battery-does-everyone-suggest-300sd.html

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