maintenance chargers

[bhgi]

After jump starting my V8S for the third time this year I bought a Halfords maintenance charger. It says in the instructions under 'connecting the charger to a battery fitted in a vehicle' .. connect the black -ve crocodile clip to a clean part of the vehicle's chassis and not to the battery.
A few questions:
Is there a bit of chassis suitable to get at from the boot?
Doesn't the black lead from the negative battery terminal go to the chassis and get earthed anyway?
Has anyone connected up the smart connect lead for permanent fitting to the battery?

(the battery was new last year - I think I am just not driving it enough in this weather!)
Thanks
Giles

[tuonopepper]

Giles,

Not sure if it's exactly the same but I have the optimate 3 charger which I've always used on m,y bike and now use on the S2, I have the permanent connections wire to the battery and all seems well, if thats any help.

James.

[GreenV8S]

Can't think of any compelling reason to connect to the chassis instead of direct to the battery, I'd just clip it on to the battery and be done with it if I were you.

[v8whiskey]

The only reason not to clip on (and off when charged) to a battery would be the possible chance of a spark. Batteries - particularly the 'old venting type' can produce hydrogen gas when charging (product of the hydrochloric acid) and if the battery is located in a confined space - ie the boot of the V8s ( 3 litres are better vented as I believe all batteries are under the bonnet) and the gas cannot escape any spark could ignite the gas - explosion result etc. Not good!

If a permanent connection cable is available, as supplied with the 'Accumate' charger I use, with the connection made via a proper push connector on the end of a piece of wire (ie connector well away from the battery)then risk is very much reduced. My connector cable is fed through the rear baulkhead via a grommet and ends by the drivers seat, tucked away when car is driven and connected in the garage, ie well away from boot and any possible gas build up.

The new 'sealed' batteries must presumably reduce the risk as well, but having seen the result of a battery gas 'flash over' at a local garage some years ago (horrid mess to car and mechanic) I haven't taken the risk.

I keep my battery 'on charge' with the accumate all the time it is garaged - brilliant in the winter as the clock and alarm still draw power and will make a battery useless for starting in about two to three weeks, depending on how cold it is. Great to disconnect,jump in and fire up !

Hope this is useful.

[bhgi]

thanks, no explosion so far!