Thread: Replace Postive Power Cable

Due to other issues I'm attempting to replace the main power cable from the battery positive to the starter. I attempted to get one of the 15mm mounting bolts for the starter off for about an hour to no avail. Including a 1/2" impact driver which accomplished nothing except beating the crap out of the extension. I got annoyed so I'm taking a break for a bit but is it possible to get to the connection without removing those bolts?

Also, my issue is that when I go to start all power immediately dies to the car after a loud click. I can't restore power unless the positive battery cable is removed and reconnected. I've gotten it to randomly start instead of dying but the engine slowly stalled out unless I was pushing the gas. I will be replacing all battery cables and already added an engine ground to chasis.

Thanks. Won't get a chance to try again until tonight since my dad's basement flooded yesterday and I had to bring my shop vac over to help him out. I'm going to replace the grounds. I'm thinking I can access the power from above instead of below the engine now since I don't actually need to replace the start (... yet). Going to give a breaker bar, pipe, and heat a shot tonight after just to show that bolt what for.

Any easy way to test the starter solenoid or starter itself if the wire replacements don't do the trick? Judging by the wiring diagram I finally found it seems like the solenoid is a likely candidate with the magnetic switch it uses since I hear the click.

I'm making my own cables using 4awg from Home Depot since I'm adding some other cables people suggest when they upgrade the electrical system. Just make sure you get ends that fit both the 4awg wire AND the bolt. Some of the ring connectors I saw were too small for some of the bolts. Also, 4awg is a pain to cut. I've been managing with a few tries from a set of 8" linesman pliers but you may be better off with a hacksaw.

If you are looking online knukonceptz.com seems to be a good place for the cabling. Home Depot was $1.25 a foot and that places is $0.96 I think. Though that's before shipping.