Proper way to bolt positive battery cable to starter?

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MisterB

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I replaced my battery and both cables a week ago just as preventive maintenance. Everything is running fine, but when I was under the truck today draining and filling the front diff, I jiggled the positive battery cable and there was a spark and then it turned over the starter and tried to start.

I remember the factory cable had a little tab on it to help you install it vertically, so you'd put it back in the right spot. This cable doesn't have that, so I did the best I could, and it's been working, but the clearance must me just a hair, and I don't like that. I feel like I should bend the post and install it differently.

Am I on the right track? Any help on how it should be connected would be great. I did run the cable as the factory one was run, as far as going through the two frame clips.

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eskimomann209

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I replaced my battery and both cables a week ago just as preventive maintenance. Everything is running fine, but when I was under the truck today draining and filling the front diff, I jiggled the positive battery cable and there was a spark and then it turned over the starter and tried to start.

I remember the factory cable had a little tab on it to help you install it vertically, so you'd put it back in the right spot. This cable doesn't have that, so I did the best I could, and it's been working, but the clearance must me just a hair, and I don't like that. I feel like I should bend the post and install it differently.

Am I on the right track? Any help on how it should be connected would be great. I did run the cable as the factory one was run, as far as going through the two frame clips.

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bottom of the ring terminal must have hit. I’d put two jamb nuts if you’re worried about it. Maybe a Nylock...
 

MisterB

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bottom of the ring terminal must have hit. I’d put two jamb nuts if you’re worried about it. Maybe a Nylock...
What about also bending a 90 degree angle in the brass fitting?

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eskimomann209

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What about also bending a 90 degree angle in the brass fitting?

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The word fitting is throwing me off. The ring terminal?
 

MisterB

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The word fitting is throwing me off. The ring terminal?
I must be using the wrong term. See Pic below
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eskimomann209

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I wouldn’t bend it. Bends create a weak spot. But your right it might help your issue. You could take it back off and slip some heat shrink over it too.

and fitting works too I’m sure. I just didn’t wanna say yeah!! Bend that thing! And it ended up being the brass bolt you were talking about or something crazy lol.
 
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73c20jim

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How about a "L" bracket with holes in each end attached to the end on the cable?
 

MisterB

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I've bent mine without issue so it fits close to factory.
I'm guessing as long as it's bent once and left, it should be fine, vs bending back and forth multiple times will of course weaken the metal

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What about also bending a 90 degree angle in the brass fitting?

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Make sure there are washers so you can tighten it down without causing the wire fitting to rotate with the wrench.
 

gmachinz

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I stock those factory starter cable terminals you’re referring too-and yeah, parts store cables don’t offer them in OE styles. Not even sure GM has NOS cables like that these days lol
 

MisterB

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I stock those factory starter cable terminals you’re referring too-and yeah, parts store cables don’t offer them in OE styles. Not even sure GM has NOS cables like that these days lol
I think you're right. I even checked LMC, and theirs is generic

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MisterB

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I got this resolved. Did a nice 90° bend in the end and got it all buttoned up

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MisterB

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Personally, I don't like all the open metal of the connector showing. I tend to add heat-shrink to the area not connected so this doesn't happen.
That works too, although if it sits there and rubs against the heat shrink, it can then make contact with something it shouldn't, metal to metal. If a 90° bend is put in it, this shortens the footprint of the entire end and puts it out of the way of being able to ever touch anything. Suppose one could take a belt and suspenders approach and do both

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