Flat battery

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

They are.

Bump = push start = shove it along dump the clutch.

Jump = connect another battery with - would you Adam 'n Eve it: Jump Leads !


* Bloody amatuers, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

In case you hadn't twigged, I'm fully aware of the difference. It looked like there might be a little confusion in the thread, though, so was just reminding anybody who might be confused.

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by Mr Toad

I heard someone say it on Friday night

Well then, don't listen to them, listen to me.

[embee]

One slight word of caution.

If the "donor" vehicle is running when you try to start the other one, you're effectively putting close to a short circuit across the donor alternator (car starter motors are of the order of one to 2 kW these days, which at 12V is 80+Amps per kW, so 100 to 150Amps is on the cards).

A healthy alternator can probably cope for a few seconds, but if it's at all tired it might be enough to see it off.

I'd always recommend trying to jump start without the donor engine running first, just in case.

..and as Mr Toad says, if your battery is totally dead (e.g. the plates have disintegrated) then it'll be virtually impossible to start it.

Just a thought.

Originally Posted by embee

...
..and as Mr Toad says, if your battery is totally dead (e.g. the plates have disintegrated) then it'll be virtually impossible to start it.
...

The bike is locked up in a storage house, and I didn't 'visit' it until about a week ago, so I don't know exactly for how long the battery has been flat. I will swing by and mount the charger today. Hopefully they have a power outlet near by I can use.

Again, many thanks for helpful info

I'm crossing my toes. Going back on monday to check if the battery has been charged.

I've jumped started various race bikes from from the battery on my Transit (with the engine running) with no ill effects. Just be careful not to inadvertently touch the frame while you are doing it!

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by Mike1234

Just be careful not to inadvertently touch the frame while you are doing it!

This is a very good bit of advice.

[embee]

Originally Posted by Mike1234

I've jumped started various race bikes from from the battery on my Transit (with the engine running) with no ill effects. Just be careful not to inadvertently touch the frame while you are doing it!

jump starting bikes will be no problem, I was referring to jump starting another car. A typical bike starter motor will probably be only 0.5kW or similar (maybe 50 Amps) which any self-respecting car alternator should be happy with.