John Deere B Battery CAble

Need to make up a battery cable for a 1948 Styled B. It will be using 6 volt system. How long does the cable need to be and what gauge wire? The old cable is missing so I can't measure from it.

Thanks.

Sorry, I don't have the length. On 6 volt systems that require high starter motor currents I believe in over engineering and over kill (even bigger cable then stock original) to reduce voltage drop SO I LIKE 0 OR BETTER YET 00 GAUGE Starter and Ground Cables. When you're only starting with 6 volts to begin with, you cant afford to drop much across the cables. Those flexible strap ground cables (if sufficient gauge) afford even more flexibility.

I like fine stranded copper such as Welding Cable which has great flexibility to withstand vibration which battery and welding equipment suppliers can custom make for you using crimped and soldered terminals.

If possible I like to run the Ground Cable to a clean bright shiny starter bolt (paint removed underneath) or a new bright shiny bolt near the starter that has the threads chased and cleaned and the metal where the cable attaches also bright n shiny. Using thin rusty sheet metal for the ground cable attachment IS NOTTTTTTTTTTT a good idea.

Once done I like to seal the cable to starter/frame connection to prevent moisture and oxygen penetration and have used the red battery terminal spray or silicone. Some like to use dielectric grease, others do NOT, since its an insulator, but if you seal the bond to keep water and oxygen (causes oxidation/rust) away you should be fine. Similar on the battery posts I use the felt washers under the cables then spray with the red battery terminal protector when done AND IVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM AFTER THAT.

That's my method, others may have different or even better methods.

John T

Try using an old piece of heavy lamp cord and run it from the battery terminal to the starter following the path it should take. Add about 2 inches and you have the length you need for an 0 or 00 cable.