Starter cable sizes?

pcmpete

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
328
I am looking for info on what is the recommend size for replacement starter/battery cables?

They are for a VP AQ130c and only 3ft in length. I cannot see/read any markings on the old cables.

Thanks
 

Sabbath

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2011
Messages
122
Re: Starter cable sizes?

For Battery to starter i wouldnt run anything smaller than an 8 gauge wire.
 

Struc

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
409
Re: Starter cable sizes?

2 gauge is what I have on my boat, for about 6'. That is what I have seen on most boats.

I've never heard of anything as small as 8 gauge on a starter. I can't imagine that would hold up very well over time.
 

Brewman61

Ensign
Joined
Jun 10, 2010
Messages
996
Re: Starter cable sizes?

8 gauge would IMHO, be on the thin end.
Personally, I'd find out what is on the boat now and go no smaller than that.
When it comes to this type of thing, I'm all belts and suspenders.
 

Ashmanmb

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2012
Messages
8
Re: Starter cable sizes?

I replaced on my boat with I think if I rember correctly 2 guage or 1 guage. Just wanted to be extra safe to make sure it was not going to be an issue
 

Brewman61

Ensign
Joined
Jun 10, 2010
Messages
996
Re: Starter cable sizes?

As long as you equal what was there you'd have no problems, assuming that what was there was correct. Never hurts to go one size bigger, other than the extra cost.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Starter cable sizes?

Here is a chart from Mercruiser, it follows the same basic principals as as Volvo or anyone else.



attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • Untitled3.jpg
    Untitled3.jpg
    112.4 KB · Views: 0

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: Starter cable sizes?

You can allways take the wire into a electrial supply house and have it measured with a wire gage.
 
Top