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Getting A Grip On A Battery Connection

Ken — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 11:18:27 +0000

Today I was hailed by a damsel in distress… she needed a “jump” to get her car started. Over the years I’ve learned that about 80% of car starting problems relating to batteries has to do with terminal connections, usually from corrosion. I directed her to “pop the hood” so I could scope out the battery situation.

Sure enough, there was corrosion around the negative terminal. I didn’t have my usual automotive tools with me so I used my multi-tool to clean it off. In the process I discovered that the wire clamp connector was actually broken. After cleaning the parts I reattached it and attached the jumper cables to see if the car would start. All that could be heard was a “clicking” sound that is often associated with faulty connections. I was hoping to use a small hose clamp to surround the wire connection but none was to be found.

Then a thought struck me… maybe a vice-grip pliers could create a solid connection between the battery post and the broken wire connector. Fortunately that tool was available. I adjusted the width and clamped it over the connection. Because the vice-grip covered the terminal I placed the negative lead of the jumper cables onto an engine bolt for grounding then I had her try to start the car again. There was an immediate improvement and after a few seconds the engine started much to our delight and relief.

So why do I share this experience? So that if you find yourself in this predicament you will be aware of this connection approach. And on this topic of car/battery related problems you might enjoy my article “Emergency Battery Boost” [https://survivaltek.com/?p=1626] that explains a battery jump trick when a single pair of cables doesn’t quite do the job. These are just two more tools in your knowledge bank when you or someone you’re helping needs to get a vehicle started and can save the day in an emergency.

Miles for Dinner – Engine cooking

Ken — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:00:24 +0000

I’ve met a few folks lately who have shared their experience using a unique cooking method from decades ago… cooking food on a car’s engine. This concept has always intrigued me, and I knew that I had to try it. I began to study this method and apparently it is seeing a resurgence in interest. It seems that aluminum foil is the container of choice, although tin cans work too, but vented and usually surrounded by foil to inhibit taking on any engine taste and to prevent spills. It’s best to plan ahead and scope out your engine compartment for available places to put your food bundle while it’s cool and not running. Items should not be placed where it would interfere with moving parts. It may require “wiring in” to keep the food package in place, so take care where and how you attach the wire. Most folks suggest using 3 sheets of aluminum to wrap the food, folding the seam lengthwise several times, then folding the ends several times as well. There will be variations in temperature within the engine compartment, and can be used strategically for the miles/time of your travel. I found 2 places on my engine and placed foil wrapped cobs of corn (still in their husks) on each side of the engine. I drove to an out-of-town seminar covering about 50 miles in mixed traffic. When I arrived at my destination, it was raining, so I dashed inside and initially forgot to take out my meal. When the rain stopped, I woke up to the fact that I had food waiting for me, so I dashed out to the car and lifted the hood. The engine was still quite warm, so I carefully removed the food bundles. To my delight, the corn was great! No engine taste, and very tender. Cooking in wrapped foil keeps moisture in, thus allowing a lot of latitude in the finished product. So, if this intrigues you too, be careful, but have fun trying this method. I plan to try more meals on future excursions.