Battery Too Large?

RidgeHiker · Nov 5, 2021

I just bought a used ATV with a Honda engine powered snowblower which I intend to sell. The previous owner changed the wiring so the clutch that engaged the augers was actuated by a separate external 12 volt riding mower / atv sized battery instead of from the ATV which was not included. Can I use my truck battery with jumper cables to test the clutch or am I risking damaging something with the larger battery?
Thanks for your input!

chim · Nov 5, 2021

12V is 12V. No worries. I'd check if polarity matters, but the voltage is fine.

CausticUrbanCoast · Nov 5, 2021

12 V is 12 V, just dont do it with the alternator running.

CH4Ohio · Nov 5, 2021

RidgeHiker said:
I just bought a used ATV with a Honda engine powered snowblower which I intend to sell. The previous owner changed the wiring so the clutch that engaged the augers was actuated by a separate external 12 volt riding mower / atv sized battery instead of from the ATV which was not included. Can I use my truck battery with jumper cables to test the clutch or am I risking damaging something with the larger battery?
Thanks for your input!

12 volts is 12 volts. Your load device determines how much current (amps) it draws. Just like plugging a night light into the same home outlet you'd plug a toaster oven into.

Use your truck battery.

RidgeHiker · Nov 6, 2021

Thanks, sounds good!

etpm · Nov 6, 2021

RidgeHiker said:
I just bought a used ATV with a Honda engine powered snowblower which I intend to sell. The previous owner changed the wiring so the clutch that engaged the augers was actuated by a separate external 12 volt riding mower / atv sized battery instead of from the ATV which was not included. Can I use my truck battery with jumper cables to test the clutch or am I risking damaging something with the larger battery?
Thanks for your input!

The only possible drawback is if there is a short somewhere. The bigger battery won't deliver more voltage but if it can deliver more amperage it will. This means a short is more likely to melt some wires. The ability to deliver higher amperage will not damage a properly working clutch.
Eric

CausticUrbanCoast · Nov 6, 2021

etpm said:
The only possible drawback is if there is a short somewhere. The bigger battery won't deliver more voltage but if it can deliver more amperage it will. This means a short is more likely to melt some wires. The ability to deliver higher amperage will not damage a properly working clutch.
Eric

The switch itself will be current limited, however it should have another fuse inline if it was wored properly.