Starter wire guage size

[Scaaty]

1973 Merc Tower/Power 135hp. Going to bypass the corroded harness batt wires, and run out the throttle opening straight to the batt for a good contact/ground. Motor is totally rebuilt. 10 guage twisted strand copper OK? Or 8. I have a bunch of 10, and seems wire has gone through the roof lately. West wants 35 to 50 bucks for 4 foot?. Insane. I have connectors and a crimper. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter wire guage size

i think atleast 8. tried to PM you. i have red and black 5 ' section of #4 that is scrap, your welcome to it. i'll just put what you want in a USPS flat rate box. tashasdaddy@comcast.net . get it out of my shed.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Starter wire guage size

For engines 15 h.p. or less with a distance
of less than 10 feet - 10AWG
for runs of 10-15 feet - 8AWG
for runs of 16-20 feet - 6AWG
V4 - 4AWG
V6 - 2AWG
V8 - 1AWG

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starter wire guage size

Do a search on Ebay for a guy named genuinedealz.

He has pretty good prices. You can buy by the foot.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Starter wire guage size

Thanks! TD email me.. hogrider@myway.com

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Starter wire guage size

[colour=blue]double up the 10.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Starter wire guage size

In addition to the previous suggestions: Wire gauge on start circuits is not like house wiring. House wiring is figured on constant load (amperage) x wire resistance to figure heat rise and the acceptible level is based upon insulation temp rating which is all spelled out in the National Electrical Code.

Start circuits in engines are very intermittent (normally) and you are started before the wire has had time to warm up so you can fudge on circular mils per amp and use smaller wire which keeps your weight down.

Mark

 

[jlinder]

Re: Starter wire guage size

Texasmark -
You are right that on a starting circuit heating is not as critical in regards to heating.

But the gauge is critical with regards to voltage drop. The smaller the wire the higher the voltage drop. This drops the voltage at the starter which makes it draw more current, which increases the voltage drop a little more. Your starter turns slower and it draws more current.

Usually not too big of a problem until that one time when the battery has problems, or you left the radio on for too long, or whatever.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Starter wire guage size

[colour=blue]double up the 10.

(Starter wire guage size )???