Battery For 425 (Kohler)

[BobRip]

was that the voltage drop across the cable while cranking the engine?

Yes. I used the min/max feature on the meter.

 

[ponytug]

I love your attention to detail!
Thanks for sharing.

All the best,

Peter

Yes. I used the min/max feature on the meter.

 

[BobRip]

I love your attention to detail!
Thanks for sharing.

All the best,

Peter

I bought some 2 guage wire and clamps to replace the 4 guage cables. I am soldering them together and will let you know how it works.

 

[BobRip]

I have the new cables in. The voltage drop is about the same but, when I turn the key it starts almost instantly. It has ben run for a total of less than a minute today so it is slightly warmed up. I will report again after more testing.

 

[ponytug]

Thanks for the change in gauge update.

For me, going from 4 to a 0 gauge made a noticeable difference for my 1445 as well, but I didn't check the voltage drop, because I knew that my DVM wouldn't measure it accurately.

In my limited experience getting really accurate peak/min/max measurement often depends on rather expensive equipment. Or put differently, a peak in rush current might be so short that it is subject to a certain amount of round off error by low speed, lower digitization rate meters. No criticism of your DVM implied, just a comment on how hard it can be to get these measurements accurately.

All the best,

Peter

 

[BobRip]

Thanks for the change in gauge update.

For me, going from 4 to a 0 gauge made a noticeable difference for my 1445 as well, but I didn't check the voltage drop, because I knew that my DVM wouldn't measure it accurately.

In my limited experience getting really accurate peak/min/max measurement often depends on rather expensive equipment. Or put differently, a peak in rush current might be so short that it is subject to a certain amount of round off error by low speed, lower digitization rate meters. No criticism of your DVM implied, just a comment on how hard it can be to get these measurements accurately.

All the best,

Peter

I think you are correct. Also the lower resistance wire will make the current be higher. I should have checked the current, but the same errors will apply. The best test at this point is see how it affects starting. I think with the smaller 422 engine 2 gauge was enough. It was difficult enough to bend.

 

[woodlandfarms]

So I'm sorry, but why did you build cables? Couldn't you buy them from napa?

 

[BobRip]

So I'm sorry, but why did you build cables? Couldn't you buy them from napa?

Advanced Auto Parts is my nearest store. They did not have what I wanted. It was not that hard and I used brass connectors and soldered everything. The resistance should be a little lower this way.

 

[ponytug]

Plus, two smaller cables are easier to route and bend compared to one large one.

All the best,

Peter

Advanced Auto Parts is my nearest store. They did not have what I wanted. It was not that hard and I used brass connectors and soldered everything. The resistance should be a little lower this way.

 

[BobRip]

Plus, two smaller cables are easier to route and bend compared to one large one.

All the best,

Peter

I replaced both ground and hot wires to the battery in case that was not clear. Each is only one piece. I did not tie the ground directly to the starter.
I used it a bunch today and cannot say if started better. I have found that it starts easier when cold if the throttle is set to idle. That seems strange to me.