Size of battery cable?

rooftrussman · Nov 2, 2008

I have a Ford 1210 that has assorted starting problems but am narrowing it down after shorts, bad alternator, old battery, key switch etc. but seems that the last weak link is the battery cables. The ground is a 4 ga that is easy to find. The positive looks to be an old 1 ga about 42" long. Tractor Supply advertises one available in store only but Tractor Supply is a long ways a way. The Ford1210 is a 16hp diesel. Would a 2ga or2/0 ga cable work as well. Not sure the one on the tractor is original. I could try the Ford dealer but am cheap for this sort of thing.

RickB · Nov 2, 2008

Use 2 gauge at a minimum for both cables. If the ground cable still is bolted to the battery tray, run it to a better spot on the chassis or engine block. 1/0 will work better for longer than #2, but 2/0 is probably overkill for that battery and starter.