Lithium battery jump start for auto

[bigdee]

Was in wally world today and noticed the everstart battery jump start box was on sale for $9.95. This thing weighs about 8 oz and delivers 400 amps. I was skeptical but for 10 bucks I bought one. Tried it on lawn tractor without battery connected and it turned over faster than if it had the original battery in it. These things were originally pricey....I think the lithium fire/explosion scare had something to do with walmart dropping the price this low. I think it will be great insurance to carry on the boat.

 

[keith2k455]

Lithium batteries are IMO great batteries. They handle load well, stay charged and have power until drained. I think the cost of this technology has definitely decreased lately. Power tools have come with Lithium batteries for a while now and all the rechargeable AAA and AA I have had in my house for a while now have been Lithium.

I will say, any $10 jump pack is a steal. I usually bought the harbor freight one for $27 with super coupon. Just keep in mind, Lithium Ion should not be left on the charger, charge them full, then unplug. They will keep their charge. If you leave it on the charger you will ruin the battery.

 

[bigdee]

It is amazing that a battery the size of 2 packs of cigarettes can turn over a big v8!

 

[bruceb58]

The real test would be to disconnect the existing battery and only use the jump pack alone.

Edit: I am guessing that's what you did?

 

[thumpar]

I am a big fan of the rechargeable lithiums. I have a set of 16 CR123a and charger that will do all sizes. After blowing $20 a month for my camera system (fully wireless) I got the rechargeables.

 

[bigdee]

The real test would be to disconnect the existing battery and only use the jump pack alone.

Edit: I am guessing that's what you did?

Yes, but that was on a lawn tractor. Plenty of you-tube videos showing big engines being started with battery disconnected. I have an I/O boat with a stone cold battery that will be a good test!

 

[bruceb58]

The big test is would it start my 7.4L with only that jump start battery.

 

[Grandad]

The big test is would it start my 7.4L with only that jump start battery.

If it won't start it, you could get 2 ... or 3. - Grandad

 

[keith2k455]

And at $10 it wouldn't be that ridiculous to string 2 or 3 together

 

[82rude]

The big test is would it start my 7.4L with only that jump start battery.

My friend has a slightly larger one I believe and it will easily start your big motor even in the dead of winter has he had to do recently.I would opt for the larger 1000amp one for colder climates and even at the princely sum of 100 cnd compared to that wallyworld blow out its still a deal.Lots of guys I know bought them for their sleds as they mostly don't come with manual start anymore.My friend started a big diesel with it no problem at about - 25 or so .

 

[bigdee]

Had a chance to give it a workout yesterday. Could not get tractor cranked and completely killed the battery so I hooked up this little jump box. After about 30 seconds of cranking it goes into protection mode for 2 minutes. Over the next 30 or 40 minutes of trying things like, starter fluid,spark plugs and finally cleaning the ethanol gummed up carburettor I got it running. I probably went through a dozen attempts with the jump box. When finished the LED battery indicator was only down one LED. It only took 1/2 hour for it to re-charge to full scale. I am amazed.....I doubt my big 30+ lbs 600 amp jump box could have done much better. This was a bargain for $10. Also it should power my USB electronics when camping.