:iagree: :iagree: WirthCo #20128 "Knife-Blade" Battery Switch . . . greatest thing since the aluminum beer can!

 

Quote:

"I know a lot of people use these switches; in fact my car had one when I bought it. However, I would suggest spending more money on a real disconnect switch. The cheap clamp device has a tendency to not disconnect all the time. What you end up with is a loose/intermitent connection; ie fire hazard. The real switches provide positive disengagement, and are actually faster and easier to switch. Of course, as others have mentioned, finding the current draw is the best idea, but I would still use the disconnect. Maybe I'm being too paranoid, but the idea of my Vette, and my garage and house, going up in flames, is worth the extra $25. "


I had a problem with my ignition system with one of those screw type clamp disconnects (random engine stumble). I found evidence of arcing between the contact points. Removed it - ignition problem fixed. If I do install another one, it will be one made by Moroso or Flaming River, NHRA approved





[Modified by 71coupe, 8:26 PM 5/29/2003]

 

:iagree:
i bought one of these... http://store.summitracing.com/partde...rt=MOR%2D74100
i had the **** type and it kept failing...
sometimes i would turn the key and...nothing...
i would have to open the hatch and fiddle around with that piece of crap...
buy a real one...$30

 

They also sell ones where there is a bypass wire from the switch (with built-in fuse) for the clocks, alarms, stereos etc.....Cost $10.

Good luck

 

That is a good point. I have to reset my stereo each time I go for drive. Of course, like most, my clock does not work so that is not a concern.

 

I have been looking everywhere. NOBODY SELLS CUT-OFF SWITCHES FOR SIDE POST BATTERIES!!! Corvette Central has one I like. But only the top post comes with the fuse. I'm sure I'll probably end up buying that one. Has anybody else seen or used the one from corvette central?

 

Honestly, I have never heard of that story until now. Something had to have been the cause, an electrical short or spark igniting battery or fuel vapors.

 

I remember that thread. I remember the pictures too. It was pretty bad. The Vette was ash. :sad:

 

MA has them. 100-713
No problem adding a fuse.

:cool:

 

Why does it have to be side post? Most battries have top and side post. I prefer the top one. Easy to turn the **** up top and there is enough room to close the lid.

 

Paul,
Here is the link to C3 Archives. Follow Juliet's link in the first post to get the original story. It was an unattended C4 that seemed to catch fire for some unexplained reason. Hence my reference to spontaneous combustion.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...387204#3387204

 

I may not be able to explain this properly, but a battery consists of an electrolyte like sulphuric acid which contains a lot of hydrogen ions in the form of +H. Oxygen and hydrogen molecules in the form of -OH are also in the electolyte. The battery is charged by moving the +H and -OH molecules to different poles of the battery thus creating a potential difference between the two poles. The battery delivers it's charge when the +H and -OH molecules come together to form water. However, if a battery just sits for a long period of time then some of the +H combine to form H2 which is hydrogen gas...a very explosive fuel. The H2 mixes with the surrounding air and what you have is trouble...just waiting to happen.

The battery in our vettes is enclosed and in my opinion doesn't have enough venting to keep the H2 from being a danger. All that is needed is a vette sitting for like 6 months and apply some heat like in the form of a loose electrical contact inside the battery compartment. Also, any platinum in the battery compartment wiill set off an explosion. NEVER EVER leave a platinum coated spark plug in the battery compartment or near a lead/acid battery! Also, make sure when you leave your car sitting for a long time that you check the cable connections to make sure there is no loose wires, also check the hoses which run from the top of the battery compartment to the outside air source, plus check the drain at the bottom of the compartment to make sure it's not plugged. It may also be a good idea to leave the battery compartment door open and a window cracked open.

 

Doesn't the top post and side post connections have different terminals? The vette is a side-post and the truck is a top-post, and they have different terminals.

 

I use the one from Ecklers (part# 35201) and like it. Its for side post batteries.

 

I have one of these on my battery too, also have a disconnect switch under the hood. Just feels a little safer, sort of like wearing a belt & suspenders. :lol:

 

Paul

I got my cutoff switch from Eklers but I also bought a bypass connect with a 5 amp fuse that allows all the clock, streo settings to function if need but will not allow the car to start or anything else...........works well

:smash: :smash: :smash: