Battery cable lug replacement

[Bowhunter8]

While replacing the battery on my 90’ SP 580, I broke off one of the sides on the battery cable lug. So instead of it being C shaped to wrap around the battery bolt, it only has one side of the C.

Question: when I replace the lug, do I need to heat shrink around the connection? If so, is it safe to bring an open flame into the engine bay?

 

[ZoSoAir]

I would use a pinch connector and a rubber boot to cover the whole thing.

 

[Bowhunter8]

I would use a pinch connector and a rubber boot to cover the whole thing.

So no need to heat shrink around the connection between the copper wire and battery cable lug correct?

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, marine heat shrink. Cheap at Harbor Freight.

 

[Bowhunter8]

Yes, marine heat shrink. Cheap at Harbor Freight.

In order to do so I need to use an open flame (I don’t have a heat gun) n the engine Bay Area of this two stroke jet ski. Is that safe?

 

[Spider4real]

I think the proper answer would be not to introduce a flame in the engine compartment where fumes can linger.

But on the flip side, if it was outside and the engine compartment was well ventilated, I would probably do it. But by no means am I reccommeding you try this. Proceed at your own risk. But I would probably put on some eye protection before starting.

Or just buy a heat gun. 20 bucks at harbor freight.

I have also shrank heat shrink tubing with a hair dryer. You could try that first.

 

[Bowhunter8]

I think the proper answer would be not to introduce a flame in the engine compartment where fumes can linger.

But on the flip side, if it was outside and the engine compartment was well ventilated, I would probably do it. But by no means am I reccommeding you try this. Proceed at your own risk. But I would probably put on some eye protection before starting.

Or just buy a heat gun. 20 bucks at harbor freight.

I have also shrank heat shrink tubing with a hair dryer. You could try that first.

Thanks for the info. I’ll give the hair drier a try and if not I’ll pick up a heat gun.

Just curious, with the battery terminal and battery cable terminal lug being exposed, why is there a need to heat shrink the battery cable lug and battery cable connection?

 

[mikidymac]

Thanks for the info. I’ll give the hair drier a try and if not I’ll pick up a heat gun.

Just curious, with the battery terminal and battery cable terminal lug being exposed, why is there a need to heat shrink the battery cable lug and battery cable connection?

Because water will get into the copper strands of the cable and rot it out from the inside.