Battery cable gage?

My diesel Massey uses two 12 volt batteries run in parallel. I am going to make up new cables and want to know if I should go with the 2 gage that I currently have or go with heavier 1/0 gage?

(quoted from post at 14:13:32 07/19/12) My diesel Massey uses two 12 volt batteries run in parallel. I am going to make up new cables and want to know if I should go with the 2 gage that I currently have or go with heavier 1/0 gage?

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If the #2 gauge is original to the tractor and has caused no problems, then stay with the #2.

Now we set and wait for about 14 more folks to jump in and recommend #00 gauge.

nope - I agree with you Rusty -

12 volt's don't need the current handling capability of the heavier guage. Unless the cables are really long.

6 volt would definitely want something heavier.

Now, if you were replacing them anyways - and all things were equal, I'd go with the heavier, just because.

But no NEED to.

Heres the deal, if what you have has allowed for good starting in the past even in cold temps, I see no over compelling reason to upgrade.

That being said and as an electrical engineer, its obviously true a bigger gauge wire would drop less voltage, so sure, bigger is better generally speaking, as two twelves in paralell can likely deliver maybe 1000 amps into a heavy load (subject of course upon the load) in which case (again depends on the load and batery capacity) 0 or even 00 cables sound pretty tempting.

Sooooooo if I were starting from scratch to start a diesel in cold temperatures that requires two twelves in paralell (may well be 1000 CCA) Id be tempted to use 0 or 00 Gauge cables HOWEVER if the 2 has worked fine in the past and are already in place I see no reason why it still wont work okay. Its your tractor your money your choice NOT ours.....

NOTE A "diesel" that requires two 12's in paralell in the first place isnt quite the same as an old 12 volt gas tractor ya know (2 gauge is fine on 12 volts subject to engine and starter size) so dont assume cuz a gas can get by with a single 12 volt battery and 2 gauge cable that means a harder to crank diesel is the same thing

John T

If 2 guage has been working for you. No need to upgrade. Gonna cost more and you will get the same results.

Sounds like good advice - I am going to stick with the 2 gauge. Now I am also restoring my Massey 44 gas and that has a 6 volt system. Although it won't be run when it's really cold out, should I go with 0 or 00?

Before fabricating your cables, read the article at the following link on how to best wire two batteries in parallel.

http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

Daisy chaining the two batteries not recommended.

Personally, I would use two different guage wire if needed based on where the batteries are located to have the same resistance from each battery to the starter.

How old is that Massy? Some of the 60's & early 70's tractors used 2- 12 volt batterys but now you can get by with a Higher amp hour single 12 volt. I guess if it's a chore tractor and used all year and stored in the cold it pays to stay with 2.
I have an Oliver 1655 that I have used one 12 volt in for the last 7 years or so, with no problems.
My two cents....Larry NEIL

I would not consider anything less than 1/0 and I'd go with 2/0 if I could get it easily.
More cable will not hurt you other than for a few bucks more in copper up front.
Make sure you silver solder the clamps and ring ends as well.

Rod

You could use #1 cable that is in between #2 and 1/0 cable. Welding cable is a lot more flexible than standard battery cables. There are special crimpers and connections for making up heavy duty battery cables. I know Bowman distributes them for making cables for big trucks and heavy equipment.

6 volt is a different story, at that lower voltage they pull fairly high amperage (often higher then a 12 volt tractor) so voltage drop gets more critical. Since you only have 6 volts to begin with you cant stand to drop many across the cables. My standard answer on 6 volt systems is to use at least 0 gauge, while hey 00 is even better...Clean tight bright connections to solid frame members (NOT some thin rusty sheet metal) and grounds and to starter switch n starter etc is essential......

Best wishes

John T

(quoted from post at 15:26:49 07/19/12) Sounds like good advice - I am going to stick with the 2 gauge. Now I am also restoring my Massey 44 gas and that has a 6 volt system. Although it won't be run when it's really cold out, should I go with 0 or 00?

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I've got 2 Farmall Hs, both of them original 6 volt, both of them use #1 gauge cable, both of them start easily, warm weather or cold, and by cold weather I mean down to 0°.