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MG MGB Technical - 6V Battery Link cable

As one of my 6V batterys has died I am fitting a single 12V (Varta B35) The new one is a spot on fit except the clamp needs a spacer under the nuts as the 'arms' are too long. However When I went to remove the link cable I discover that it is actually fixed somewhere directly above the propshaft. As it is raining quite heavily (Theres a surprise!) I can't get the car out onto the drive to lift the back. On the ground I cannot see what is holding the cable I also cannot see what if anything a screw/bolt would be screwed into. Any thoughts out there? I guess I just need to know how on earth to get at it without a lift
TIA Bernie
B Anderson

Bernie,

It is fixed by a clamp secured by short bolt (1/4 UNF from memory), screwed into a captive nut. Yes, pretty much directly above the drive shaft and between the boxes. I think you will need to have the car raised on stands to get to it with room to use a spanner.

Depending on how you are mounting the 12V, if this connecting cable was not needed it could be left there till you can get to it on a dry day. The holding clamp and the thickness of the cable should prevent it swinging about and causing a noise. You may need to 'fold' it out of the battery box you are using but should be able to do that from above.

Regards
Roger
R Taylor

Thanks. I thought that might be the case. I have the cable safely tucked away and IF we get some dry weather I'll see if I can get it out. I have literally dropped the new battery in the drivers side box and moved the earth lead across. Really easy except for the link :)
Bernie
B Anderson

That should be fine Bernie.

I did the same change a few years ago. One 12V a lot cheaper than two 6V.

Roger
R Taylor

Bernie I just did the same thing on my 67B yesterday and yes the cable sheathing is connected with a 1/4 UNF bolt as Roger said. You need a 7/16" socket and long extension to remove the bolt from under the car. It's directly over the drive shaft.

In America one 12V cost $105 and 2 6V batteries were $270. You don't have to hit me over the head twice.

Andy
Andy Preston 1

Same in UK
Moss 6v £70 each (Collected)
Varta B35 12V £41 delivered

Complete no-brainer.
Bernie
B Anderson

Yep, you both shop where I shop!
R Taylor

I am doing the same thing, but instead of removing the link am installing an isolator switch instead. Just a thought!
Pat Gregory

Isolater is next move. I just need a new bit of cable to go from switch to earth and a couple of hours! Hours is the hard bit :(
B Anderson

Why bother taking the link cable across the propshaft? Any earth will do! If I remember rightly there was a hole of roughly the right size next to the battery. One bolt and the original earth strap from the other size and Bob's your uncle.

You can even do the job from inside the car!

Mike
Mike Standring

You only need the link with 2 Batteries.
Not using it now so wanted it out.
Not easy to connect the 6's without it :). I intend to fit an isolator which will go in the Drivers side heel board. so I need a cable from battery to switch and from switch to earth. I have made a new hole essentially where the old one was but on drivers side for the new earth point. The other side (passenger) is now a tool box (I had a small recycling bin with a lid which happily just drops in ) that way I don't need tools in the boot and that leaves more space as my toolbox was a bit large. So all in all a win situation :).
AND It don't half start well!

Bernie
B Anderson

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2013 and 15/04/2013

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