Rough wool to smooth wax.

Stop reading the Internet

Moi?

Remember, the lower the design voltage the higher the currant flow will be. This is why on extra low voltage systems the larger csa "Cross Sectional Area" of the cables needed to carry the design currant are that much larger.
As in any circuit there are many factors to consider from volts drop to thermal affects and of course finnal load or loads of that circuit.

And of course the country of manufacture and copper quality.
Hurry up and let us know oldgeezer

Here we go current measured down the additional earth cable

Cranking 350 ish amps

running 125 amps returning back to the battery whilst the battery is being re-plenished

& the original earth cables ( new ones replaced by landrover ) don't carry as much ! so goes to show they are a bad design and as one or two of you have quite correctly said earth's are very important

so may be that's why my wipers don't do a single sweep on start up and cold starting now doesnt bring up HDC disabled and all the other quirks.

Well done to all those who were not far off.

Is it just me, or does that not sound right?

350 down the spare, and 'less' down the main must still add up to 500+ amps? Which is 6 kW! (Roughly - battery voltage will drop delivering that kind of current.) If the starter's only 2 kW (which it is - I've checked the manual) where's the other 4 going?!

I'm not doubting that's what your meter says OG, but it's a hell of a lot. (Although I do note that the battery in my car is rated 700A.)

(Or is it perhaps that the starter is rated 2kW continuous, and takes a lot more for a short time on starting?)

Last edited by pab on 31st Jan 2013 8:00 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Yay I'm the winner with the closest guess  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

It proves diddly squat other than your particular "heap of junk" ,that you cherish, has an earth problem.
It certainly doesn't prove bad design.

Do you have any figures for the current in the existing cables?

In electric motor start ups, up to 6x running current is normal, but that soon drops as soon as it reaches running speed.
As this is constantly starting under load until the car starts and the starter motor stops, then it is possible to get high amps.
Can't actually be bothered working it out, but the point is, if you're earth is corroded at point(s) of connection, and you introduce another to supplement it, then you should see advantages, and all the electrical systems will not have their normal operating requirements power wise disadvantaged.

Could easily have been about 350A passing thro the new replaced engine earth strap as well as the additional cable.
As above, proves nothing.
As you now have two earth straps fitted which are in good condition you should be able to look forward to reliable starting and charging for quite some time.
No point in worrying about design faults.

Lets see somre pictures of the new earth cable installation.

Not sure of the facts as long time retired and memory failing but think that tri-rated or aircraft spec cable would be even better for the job.

Bill T Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

What on earth are you on about!!

Now you're being negative. Think positively.