Current attractions

[Mr Cerbera]

Dear All,

I had a shock today (not electrical).

I have always believed that materials used as conductors should be ferromagnetic.

I was looking to replace a bolt in the Battery Terminal Clamp and found that the bolt and nut, which I had put on and been using for some time, were not attracted to a magnet.
What shocked me further was that the Battery Terminal Clamp itself had no interest in my magnet.

Given that I have problems, with a good enough charge arriving to start the car,
would I be helping the situation by replacing all the connections involved in the starting procedure
with ferromagnetic ones ?

Sorry for being stupid

but thanks for any knowledge or meanderings you can pass my way.

Love,

Mr. Dullo

[deeen]

One of the best conductors in common use is copper, your battery terminals are lead... I don't think either are ferromagnetic?

[phillpot]

Brass, Alluminium, Stainless Steel the list goes on, all good conductors

[gruffalo]

How old is your battery?

Are all the connections tight, I had a charging issue once when the main output from the alternator had come loose in the terminal.

Is the 100amp fuse in good condition.

[TwinKam]

Often overlooked, ensure that the battery posts are bright shiny lead rather than dull grey lead oxide, which is not as good a conductor.
You can buy a special brush to facilitate this, not a gimmick, I use it on every new battery I fit.
Just don't be tempted to idly stick a digit in the female end...


(Edited typo)

Edited by TwinKam on Saturday 30th January 10:39

[Mr Cerbera]

TwinKam said:

Often overlooked, ensure that the battery posts are bright shiny lead rather than dull grey lead oxide, which is not as good a conductor.
You can buy a special brush to facilitate this, not a gimmick, I use it on every new battery I fit.
Just don't be tempted to idly stick a digit in the female end...


(Edited typo)

"Just don't be tempted to idly stick a digit in the female end... "

That's my weekend buggered then !

Seriously Rik, have you got a URL link for one of those ?

Ta !
_____________________________________________________________________

ETA

OK, No worries - found it, Ta

Edited by Mr Cerbera on Saturday 30th January 11:17

[Mr Cerbera]

gruffalo said:

How old is your battery?

Are all the connections tight, I had a charging issue once when the main output from the alternator had come loose in the terminal.

Is the 100amp fuse in good condition.

Hi Gruff,

Thanks for the contact.

I have 2 batteries, neither has run for 30 months.

I believe that all connections are solid. I ensured these connections were good when I reconnected...


and upgraded the fuse to 125amp when I reassembled.

I was trying to do some tests that Penelope Stoppit
suggested back in Nov and have some unusual results, so I was just back-stepping slowly to see what cockups I had perfomed.

Hence me asking about conductivity and FerroMagnetism.

[gruffalo]

Mr Cerbera said:

Hi Gruff,

Thanks for the contact.

I have 2 batteries, neither has run for 30 months.

I believe that all connections are solid. I ensured these connections were good when I reconnected...


and upgraded the fuse to 125amp when I reassembled.

I was trying to do some tests that Penelope Stoppit
suggested back in Nov and have some unusual results, so I was just back-stepping slowly to see what cockups I had perfomed.

Hence me asking about conductivity and FerroMagnetism.

Hi Paul, have you got to the bottom of this yet, it is quite possible both your batteries are show signs of age if you are having problems with the battery voltage dropping under load.

[Mr Cerbera]

gruffalo said:

Hi Paul, have you got to the bottom of this yet, it is quite possible both your batteries are show signs of age if you are having problems with the battery voltage dropping under load.

Hi Martin,

Thanks again for caring. Unfortunately I have been distracted with the huge, ongoing battle with RaceTec over the their "not fit for purpose" Header Tank.

When I've got some coolant in the system I'll resume the search for my problem, thanks
(and probably be straight back on here to bother you [again] )

[gruffalo]

Mr Cerbera said:

gruffalo said:

Hi Paul, have you got to the bottom of this yet, it is quite possible both your batteries are show signs of age if you are having problems with the battery voltage dropping under load.

Hi Martin,

Thanks again for caring. Unfortunately I have been distracted with the huge, ongoing battle with RaceTec over the their "not fit for purpose" Header Tank.

When I've got some coolant in the system I'll resume the search for my problem, thanks
(and probably be straight back on here to bother you [again] )

Drop me a PM with your phone number when you are ready, I will give you a call if you like.

Easier to explain things in a two way conversation rather that on here.

[Mr Cerbera]

gruffalo said:

Drop me a PM with your phone number when you are ready, I will give you a call if you like.

Easier to explain things in a two way conversation rather that on here.

Cheers Martin,

YHM