Positive Battery Terminal Getting Warm

[samm835]

I noticed the other day my positive terminal was warm while I started my motor. My motor didn't start on the first couple of times, but I forgot to pump the bulb. Once I didn't that it started without any issues. Although once I pumped the bulb I wanted to make sure the wing bolts were tight on the battery so I tried to tighten ....and noticed the positive was pretty hot. Once the motor was started it cooled off and wasn't any issue at all.....but I was curious if there is something I need to look at in my motor for wires being crossed or anything else.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Positive Battery Terminal Getting Warm

Normal. Any time you demand that much amperage (enough to turn over a motor) the terminals and wires are going to heat up.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Positive Battery Terminal Getting Warm

I noticed the other day my positive terminal was warm while I started my motor. My motor didn't start on the first couple of times, but I forgot to pump the bulb. Once I didn't that it started without any issues. Although once I pumped the bulb I wanted to make sure the wing bolts were tight on the battery so I tried to tighten ....and noticed the positive was pretty hot. Once the motor was started it cooled off and wasn't any issue at all.....but I was curious if there is something I need to look at in my motor for wires being crossed or anything else.

Probably nothing wrong, this can be a natural occurance. You might be able to remedy it by going to a larger wire size and making sure all your connections are clean and bright.

It could also be an indication of starter condition but you didn't mention that the starter was turning the engine over slowly so I'll assume that's o.k.

As a side note -- The cable size is normally 4ga when rigged. I run 2ga if it doesn't interfere with anything. Sometimes clearances inside limit you to 4ga wire.

 

[basspirate]

Re: Positive Battery Terminal Getting Warm

clean both terminals of the battery along the the ground and hot sides of the cables on the engine. and make sure all 4 connections are tight. like they said a little warm is ok but if its hot enough that you cant touch the terminals there is a problem.

 

[asm_]

Re: Positive Battery Terminal Getting Warm

If the battery terminal is only thing that's getting hot, wire gauge is not a problem. Poor connection at the terminal is the culprit. Like other have already mentioned, clean the positive terminal and connecting hardware. Make sure there is no play what so ever between the connecting hardware and the terminal it self.

On the other hand, I wouldn't worry to much about it unless is too hot to touch.

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: Positive Battery Terminal Getting Warm

clean both terminals of the battery along the the ground and hot sides of the cables on the engine. and make sure all 4 connections are tight. like they said a little warm is ok but if its hot enough that you cant touch the terminals there is a problem.

EGG SACK LY! Tighten up the terminals and assure wires are big enough. Resistance is why wires and battery terminals get warm-hot.