Don Bruder4/28/08 1:11J7idnaL8bagdwYjVnZ2dnUVZ_tKinZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> If I pull off the loose positive clamp, should I take off the negative
one
>> too, before I use a wrench to tighten the clamp nut?
>>
>> I read another post here stating that the negative post of the battery
>> controls the rest of the car (alarm, lights, etc.). If that's true,
can this
>> battery recharge itself or will I need to replace the battery?
>
> When wrenching on the battery, it's generally a *REALLY* good idea to
> pull the negative clamp before doing anything on the positive side -
> When the negative side is hooked up, any contact between the positive
> post and the body of the car equals "dead short" - The level of
> "interesting" that results from creating such a short can vary from
> "look at all the pretty sparks" to "Wow... I didn't know a wrench could
> be turned into a puddle of glowing hot liquid so quickly. Boy, it really
> sucks having a wrench turn to liquid and dribble through your
> fingers..." or a near infinite number of variations between those
> extremes. So yes, it's a good idea to disconnect the negative side
> before you put a wrench n the positive side. Since the negative post is
> already connected to the rest of the car, it doesn't matter if you bang
> the wrench against the body while tightening (or loosening) the bolt on
> that side.
<snip>
Dan, what a great sense of humor. I would like to add another caveat about
working on batteries. Whenever working on batteries, always wear a good
pair
of wrap around safety goggles. During normal charging processes, the
battery
generates hydrogen gas which mixes with the oxygen inside the battery.
During some conditions (like a dead short with a wrench or an internal
short) it is possible for that gas mixture to ignite (read explode). When
it
does, the battery literally blows up and sprays sulfuric acid all over
everything. Your eyesight is too precious to play fast and loose with.
Never
jump start a car without protecting your eyes. You should also make the
final connection to a grounded body part well away from the battery so if
there is a spark it won't occur near a battery. Read up on proper jump
start
procedure before you need it to get all the details. Do it right.
--
Pickleman
halfsour@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
remove "yourpants" to reply
1998 Civic HX MT with 142K
2000 CRV EX MT with 98K
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