Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 16, 2002 | 12:39 AM

427Z0SX

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 6,907

Likes: 207

From: Kern County CA

Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery?

I'm starting the FLP headers install. Already got the car on ramps, draining the oil as well (it's time). Instructions say to disconnect the battery. Put a 5/16 box wrench on the bolt, a couple of light pressure attempts, and the damn bolt got rounded! :mad :mad And this is a Craftsman wrench I'm using here, not some cheapo stuff. I'm afraid to try the positive end, might round that one too! What if I DON'T disconnect the battery? What will happen? I'm anxious to get moving with the next step. Any advice/comments?

Thanks!

Nov 16, 2002 | 08:09 AM

SteveNix

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 211

Likes: 0

From: Cape Coral FL

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Rapid Transit)

Hi Rapid -

Maybe it's time to invest in some Metric wrenches if you are going to work on the C-5. The oil drain plug is a 15mm or 17mm I believe.

Steve Nix

Nov 16, 2002 | 08:16 AM

Smoke-N-Shot

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 15,707

Likes: 1

From: Lynnfield MA

Cruise-In II Veteran

Cruise-In III Veteran

Cruise-In VI Veteran

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Rapid Transit)

You should since you will be possibly removing the coils... Use a Visegrip on the outer edge to take it off... You won't have any problems...

Nov 16, 2002 | 08:23 AM

WEF's 95

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 3,237

Likes: 0

From: Southern Maryland

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Rapid Transit)

8mm fits slightly better than 5/16 but neither should have rounded it off. Doing a job like headers, I would definitely disconnect the battery. There's a good chance of doing some serious 'welding' to a positive terminal and big sparks could be expensive for the electronics. :cry

Nov 16, 2002 | 12:12 PM

427Z0SX

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 6,907

Likes: 207

From: Kern County CA

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Rapid Transit)

Thanks to all the comments. I had an 8mm wrench, tried it on and it seemed to be about the same as the 5/16. Oh well, I'm off to Home Depot to get a complete set of metric wrenches and the vise grip. Can't wait! :cheers:

Nov 16, 2002 | 12:21 PM

Y2Kvert4me

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 16,477

Likes: 26

From: Gone

CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran

St. Jude Donor '03

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Rapid Transit)

If you are buying new wrenches, try to get ones with the 6pt box end (hex shape) instead of the usual 12pt. They will not round over the hex on nuts and bolts like the 12pt will, especially in the smaller hex sizes. You can put a lot more torque on them without fear of stripping the bolt head.

Good luck with the FLP install, I got mine on yesterday and love 'em. :yesnod:

:cheers:

Nov 16, 2002 | 08:42 PM

Greg H

Instructor

Joined: May 1999

Posts: 170

Likes: 0

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Rapid Transit)

Rapid Transit -

I noticed in your sig you did your CAGS for a buck.

I was just about to send $20 to Mid-America. Is there a simpler way?

Nov 17, 2002 | 01:09 AM

427Z0SX

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 6,907

Likes: 207

From: Kern County CA

Re: Do I REALLY need to disconnect the battery? (Greg H)

Greg H,
Go to Radio Shack and buy some 2.2k Ohm resistors. They come in a 5-pack for $0.99. Part number is 271-1121. I assume you already know where the CAGS plug is, do a search on this site, or go to corvetteforum.com and check out the tutorials posted there in the tech section. Basically, you unplug the CAGS module and slide the resistor in there. Then wrap up real tight just to prevent water or other debris from getting in. I used electrical tape to cover up the exposed areas and wrap the tape up with a couple zip ties. There's no way in hell anything can get in there. Feel free to contact me if you need more help.

Good luck,
:cheers: