Battery cable size on 12V?

rossow (mn) · Jun 19, 2016

Two of my 8Ns had been converted to 12-volt ngative-ground before I bought them. If I want to replace the battery cables, is there any reason I must use the OEM-style heavy 6-volt cables or can I use lighter 12-volt automotive-type cables? (I have many new or slightly used ones lying around for my old Chevy cars and trucks.)

Bruce (VA) · Jun 19, 2016

12v automotive cables will work fine.
75 Tips

rossow (mn) · Jun 19, 2016

Thanks for the quick reply. I couldn't see why 12V cables would be a problem, but I wanted to ask to be sure.

duey · Jun 19, 2016

I preferred automotive size because the starter isn't 'hit' quite so hard with the 12 volt... In fact, I had a cable long enough to take two full turns (loops) in it for a bit more resistance. Never had a starter OR cranking issue.. But it is your call how you set it up.

BlackThumbHomesteader · Jun 19, 2016

I always upgrade every motor vehicle I get to 0 or 00ga cables and heavy lugs. Probably not as important on the positive channel but a heavy ground is always a good thing.

Royse · Jun 19, 2016

No reason you have to use OEM.
If you have good cables use them.

I wanted to chime in and say that when I convert them to 12V
I usually use the heavy OEM cables that were there if they are
still good. I've never had any trouble doing it that way other
than the thick cables are stiffer and harder to work with.

wellmax99 · Jun 20, 2016

I agree,

on a cold winter morning, I do not think you can have battery cable large enough.
the old started need every bit of juice it can get to spin and fire.

if you never use the tractor in the cold weather then smaller cables will work fine.

I use (0) size cables on my old TO35, larges size cable I could buy at Napa

martyh · Jun 20, 2016

I use #4 fine strand marine grade cable. I swege my own lugs on cables and use 3:1 shrink tubing w/adhesive to seal the cable to lug junction. You can buy a hydraulic crimper for $55 at Harbor Freight. Not a fan of Harbor Freight stuff generally speaking but this has been working well. I thought it was an expensive luxury when I needed it for a terminal too big to do without help but I have used it a lot working on lawn equipment and my Ford tractors. It seems like every used piece of equipment I buy or come in contact with comes with neglected, corroded or grossly undersized garbage battery cables.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=crimper

Ron-MO · Jun 20, 2016

Automotive cables work just fine, I have been using 6 ga. automotive cables for years - even on my old 6 volt 8N, and as long as everything else is in order -i.e good clean connection between starter and block, good battery etc, it starts to below zero without issue. I have found no reason to convert mine to 12 volt. Usually if there are issues starting one on 6 volt, there are problems with the electrical path. I had problems for a long time until I discovered paint and rust between the starter and block, and where the ground cable connects to the tractor. Often those are ignored, and even the biggest cables will not be of help with those issues. With this said, using the bigger cable is great, just not necessary if the rest of the starting system is up to par.

Battery cable size on 12V?

rossow (mn)

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Bruce (VA)

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rossow (mn)

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duey

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BlackThumbHomesteader

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Royse

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wellmax99

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martyh

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Ron-MO

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