Where to earth jump starter

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eddystone

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Following the advice of the gentleman who ran the diesel maintenance course I went on, I have bought (from Maplin) a 4 in 1 jump starter/compressor with the requisite 600+ CCA to kick start a marine diesel. It says attach negative lead to exposed metal on the engine - why shouldn't I attach it to negative lead on engine battery? My 1986 vintage Volvo has all its paint still attached, unbelievably, so given awkward design of crocodile clips I have choice of alternator bracket (not advisable as likely to hit belt) or an engine mount - is an engine mount OK?

Also, is it possible to buy adaptors for these air pumps to inflate a dinghy? (Avon Redcrest)
 
You can use the battery terminals with the cables attached as normal. There will be a slight loss compared to getting a closer connection.
You might find the compressor slow for inflating a tender, where a large volume of air is required at a low pressure, compared to tyres that need a small volume of air at a high pressure.
 
eddystone said:
Following the advice of the gentleman who ran the diesel maintenance course I went on, I have bought (from Maplin) a 4 in 1 jump starter/compressor with the requisite 600+ CCA to kick start a marine diesel. It says attach negative lead to exposed metal on the engine - why shouldn't I attach it to negative lead on engine battery? My 1986 vintage Volvo has all its paint still attached, unbelievably, so given awkward design of crocodile clips I have choice of alternator bracket (not advisable as likely to hit belt) or an engine mount - is an engine mount OK?

Also, is it possible to buy adaptors for these air pumps to inflate a dinghy? (Avon Redcrest)
Click to expand...

The object of various instructions you might see for connecting jump leads is to make the last connection ( and the first disconnection ) away from the battery so that any little spark cannot ignite any hydrogen. Likelihood is small but if it happens, and it does occasionally, the consequences of a battery exploding in your face could be very serious indeed.

Consider your options with that info in mind.

If no sensible option but to connect directly to the battery ventilate the area to disperse any hydrogen ( it disperses easily unlike lpg) before connecting anf again before disconnecting
 
The main reason for doing it is that a poor earth strap connection to the engine is often the cause of failure to start, or to charge the batteries. Connecting to the starter mounting bolt itself is even better, but sometimes too difficult to get to.
 
Going back to adaptors for inflating dinghies , My PowerPack from Maplins came with adaptors in small compartment . I don't think you can inflate an Avon with it though as it delivers pressure not the volume you need for a proper dinghy . Ok for beach toys and fenders though .
 
VicS said:
The object of various instructions you might see for connecting jump leads is to make the last connection ( and the first disconnection ) away from the battery so that any little spark cannot ignite any hydrogen. Likelihood is small but if it happens, and it does occasionally, the consequences of a battery exploding in your face could be very serious indeed.

Consider your options with that info in mind.

If no sensible option but to connect directly to the battery ventilate the area to disperse any hydrogen ( it disperses easily unlike lpg) before connecting anf again before disconnecting
Click to expand...

Vic is absolutely correct here. olewill
 
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