

| Subject: | Re: Cold Start |
| Date: | Wed, 12 Oct 94 13:40:01 PDT |
Jack's point about connecting negative cables last is valid and worth consideration. I've never seen or heard of a hydrogen exposion associated with a jump-start, but it is a possibility. In which case the order he suggests, and locations, make the most sense. Positive terminals connected first, then the negative of the recipiant car, finally the negative cable to the BODY, AWAY FROM THE BATTERY of the donor car. This keeps any sparks well away from either battery. I'll try it this way next time. I'm going to politely disagree with him on when to start the donor vehicle- Since we both assume the donor is warmed up, I assume the donor battery is fully charged (13-14V indicated) and a typical VW battery is going to have 250 CCA MINIMUM. My recollection of my brother's diesel is that the "heavy duty" alternator is 65 A, and its probably going to putting out a steady 14V. So the spark on connecton is either at 13 to 14 V, with 250+ A or more behind it, or at a solid 14 V, with 315+ A. I can't say I've noticed a difference in sparks upon connection, but I have had cold-morning problems starting the donor car, and so I don't fool around with it anymore. My own paranoia, perhaps. Has anyone here had damage to their computer control box(s) from a jump start or other obvious cause? Cheers! Bill
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