Arc welding - disconnect battery etc?

[john2443]

What's the current thinking on arc welding on modern-ish cars (yes, I know gas or MIG would be better but I don't have the kit!) - Disconnect negative lead? Just do it? Disconnect alternator (not sure how accessible it is!)

Tx

[Richard-D]

I've never had an issue with any car electronics after welding. I always ensure a good return path by clamping the earth lead to a clean piece of metal near to (and attached to) where I'm welding.

Edit: and I don't disconnect the negative lead or any ECUs.

[buggalugs]

I guess the issue is accidentally putting a ton of amps through something not designed for it but if your earth clamp is right by where you're welding it'll probably be fine. That said for how easy it is to whip the battery off it can't hurt.

[Turbotechnic]

Always disconnect the negative earth when welding regardless of what type. Unless you want to run the risk of frying ECUs.

[Coilspring]

Always disconnect the battery, it just isn't worth the risk.

Or use a surge protector.

[GreenV8S]

Turbotechnic said:

Always disconnect the negative earth when welding regardless of what type. Unless you want to run the risk of frying ECUs.

^^^ That. Batteries are pretty good at absorbing electrical noise but they aren't perfect, and arc welders cause massive electrical and magnetic noise.

[finlo]

Using a stick welder will result in more holes than you started with!

[E-bmw]

finlo said:

Using a stick welder will result in more holes than you started with!

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

Unless you are welding something with pretty thick metal ie. sub-frame or similar, stick is far & away the wrong thing for anything on normal body steel.

[Higgs boson]

john2443 said:

What's the current thinking on arc welding

ISWYDT

[Funkmachine7]

E-bmw said:

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

Unless you are welding something with pretty thick metal ie. sub-frame or similar, stick is far & away the wrong thing for anything on normal body steel.

For anything sub 1.6mm go TIG or at lest MIG.
Never bothered with it on older cars, even with newer cars its waste of time, batterys are cheap, but ECU's are costly and really don't take well to shocks or aching.