Machine Mart/Clarkes Jump Start 4000

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swifty

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This unit is branded Clarkes and sold by Machine Mart. The Jump Start 4000 model states it produces 1500 amps peak output and 700 amps boost at 12 volts. Would this be capable of starting a Volvo Penta TAMD 31B, 130 HP.

Thank you.
 
Not tried it on a boat, but it started my wife's Mitsubishi Shogun 3.5 V6 (petrol) with no problems.

Very pleased with it! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
The Machine Mart website says it'll start "diesel engines up to 4 litres capacity". The TAMD31B is only about 2 litres, isn't it? So, yes, it'll start it. But at £82, wouldn't it be cheaper to get a spare start battery on the boat?
 
[ QUOTE ]
But at £82, wouldn't it be cheaper to get a spare start battery on the boat?

[/ QUOTE ] My sentiments too

I guess those things are OK if you can keep them fully charged, like you would at home, but if you don't they are going to be flat when you most need them and will also, as a result, have a short life.

I don't know if they quote any capacity figure (ampere-hours) but I suspect, despite the high cranking currents given, it'll be amazingly small.
 
Essentially, they are a motorcycle sized unit. I have replaced the battery once, after 10 years. Has started my VP 2002 on occasion. Their portability is the best aspect. They are on sale in Toronto for C$20. I think 82 L is insanity. Good luck.
 
Halfords do a selecton of these, I'm planning to buy one later in the spring as an emergency backup and alternative power source. A lot of places seem to have the 17AH yellow one but I think it's a bit small, there is a 20AH Halfords own brand jobbie that is a bit more substantial but only £40ish and this is what I plan to go for.

Yes you could buy a seperate "propper" start battery but with the cost of an additional batt switch, cabling, etc I fancy the jump start pack as it can be used for many other things off the boat such as running 12V items around the house.
 
Spare batteries are fine, and if there are separate domestic batteries you can use them to start the engine if the start battery has failed, so you do not really need a dedicated spare. I can see the benefit of having an automotive jump starter however. You can keep it in the car, and charge it regularly at home. Then if you go to the boat and find that all the batteries are flat you can bring it on board to get the engine going. I agree that paying £82 for one is too much. Aldi did some good ones for £20 a few months ago, and I tested mine by starting a 2.2 litre car diesel engine.
 
I have a 17AH one & a 20AH one. They are useful in that as well as emergency starters I can power my electric dinghy pump up on the deck,can run my chartplotter (which has a 12v plug) & ditto my portable fridge.The bigger one has a a converter & a 13a socket so I can run the tele etc.
 
For info, the Machine Mart Jumpstart 400 is 38 AH.

Also has a worklight and a cigar lighter socket so can be used to run coolboxes, charge mobile phones etc.

I have now used it to jump start the boat (someone left the battery on!). Started the diesel with no problem.

If a battery is u/s, obviously change it.

For flat batteries caused by leaving lights on etc this unit is safe and easily portable. Much easier than carrying a wet acid battery in the car boot and then getting it down to the boat.

They do sell less powerful models, but I would not go for a smaller one myself.
 
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