1934 Studebaker, ground battery cable getting Hot, car will not start, Startix thing confuses me.

[mitchwhodge]

Car will not start now, after finally running fine. Positive ground cable to battery is getting hot. Battery test good, only a click sound when I attempt to start car back up. Thoughts?  I do not like this Startix thing at all......

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Likely a dirty corroded connection at the starter, or wherever the cable is connected.

 

  Ben

[Oldtech]

Battery cable getting hot - just one - means the cable has a problem or the replacement clamp on connector isn't connecting. 

Startix likely not the problem. 

Edited February 23, 2022 by Oldtech (see edit history)

[edinmass]

Using a 12 volt cable is probably the problem. Go to Brillman and order new heavy duty cables, not expensive and they will custom make anything you need. Great people. The Startix is fun and works well.....you just need to understand them. There are lots of postings on them......Google it. It’s basically a fancy starter solenoid. Many times they have been bypassed with a button for safety.

[edinmass]

PS - nice cars....keep them stock. 👍

[Dandy Dave]

Agree with Ed. You need good heavy cables for a 6-volt system. I sometimes get them at tractor supply as they have cables that are diesel tractor duty. Standard 12-volt ones will not carry the amperage that you need. Also, old cables that have been hot will fail. They act like a piece of nichrome wire and get hot instead of carrying current. It is like an electric cook stove element. Dandy Dave!

Edited February 23, 2022 by Dandy Dave (see edit history)

[Graham Man]

Whenever I get a new old car 6V, first thing I do is replace the battery cables. 

[studerex]

This is the cable I use from Mcmaster carr.  Battery Wire, 600V AC/DC, with EPDM Outer Insulation, 2/0 Wire Gauge.  You can order new ends from them also.

[Tonz]

Cables ... had a boat with a 35hp Force motor. Outboard have very long cables, this boat was like flat battery all the time till we found a 6" section of the earth cable was weak, inside the fine braids of copper were burnt black.

New leads was instant success.

As mentioned 6v cables should be as fat as your fingers.

[Dandy Dave]

4 hours ago, Tonz said:

Cables ... had a boat with a 35hp Force motor. Outboard have very long cables, this boat was like flat battery all the time till we found a 6" section of the earth cable was weak, inside the fine braids of copper were burnt black.

New leads was instant success.

As mentioned 6v cables should be as fat as your fingers.

Yes. Seen this before on all kinds of equipment and autos. I've even had new wire that is bad out of the box. Rare, but it does happen. It can't be seen under the coating. Sometimes it will show up on a olm meter reading. On smaller wires just start tugging. When you find a springy spot, pull it apart. That's where all the green stuff is inside. Dandy Dave!

Edited March 7, 2022 by Dandy Dave (see edit history)

[Lahti35]

I just had Brillman make me a custom 2/0 cable for my Nash, they can do whatever gauge, length and connectors you want. Fast turn around too, good people.

[JACK M]

I can make 00 cables in red or black, any length, battery lugs or eyelets (most common are both) can clock the shorter ones too.

Not cheap but sure do work well.

Never really tried to market these but make up a few sets a year for the locals around here.

 

[Oldtech]

Your friendly local big truck supplier likely has everything you need.

[Larry Schramm]

Many tractor / implement dealers might be able to help you.  Also look to a welding supplier.