7 replies to this topic

[nanbar]

Hi All

Wondering if an Electrical numpty like me can get some advise. I want to buy a portable jump starter, they come in 1000A, 1500A, 2000A etc, what size unit would I need to jump start a Holden 253?

All advice much appreciated.

Cheers

Nanbar

Edited by nanbar, 19 August 2023 - 10:36 PM.

[skap]

I can’t help with size (I’d just buy the biggest).

But make sure you get it locally with a good warranty. They are prone to failure.

[neglectedtorana]

I bought one about 18 months ago, didn't do a lot of research just asked my electrical supplier for one.

Expensive but I got the Hulk HU6511, sometimes my cars sit for a while and need a jump start. It has started my LS1 about 4 times, 2.5L Subaru 3 times and Harley 3 times without a recharge.

Originally I bought the smaller model and it wasn't strong enough and the guy I bought it from allowed me to swap it for the bigger size.

 

Prices vary a lot, I think get the biggest you can for your budget.

Better solution is drive the car more and don't need a jump start but I'm not getting that right

[nanbar]

Ended up buying the projecta 1200A one. See how we go.

[arrimar]

I borrowed a 1600 from a neighbour last week. Unit dimensions were somewhat like a carton of cigarettes (remember those?).

Our dead Hiace battery (520cca, 4+ years old) had been sitting for 5 weeks. Took a few cranks but once fuel picked up it started. Cables got too hot for my liking, from a longevity point of view.
The cable ends that plug into the unit were smaller diameter than a biro per cable. The cables probably 8 to 10mm each (diameter not mm^2).

I'd go something big and robust before I bought a glovebox size unit.

[yel327]

I've had a portable SCA one for about 8 years or so. It has a little compressor on the back of it that whilst very slow has come in handy topping up trailer tyres after it has been loaded with 1.5m3 of mulch. Also been useful blowing out the fuel screen in a chainsaw out on a property miles from anywhere. It was a godsend when we lost power during a storm for a few days, and it provided days of LED lighting for us.

 

Inside is simply a common sealed lead acid battery. Eventually it failed, but they are like $100 so I just replaced it.

 

Lot bigger cables than those little glove box units.

[RallyRed]

Sounds like you already purchased one nanbar, but since I'm already here....I got one of these via redemption of some expiring reward points.
Positives - light, small, seems to charge from usb relatively quickly.
Cons - starting a track spec 202 it is prob good for 3?? x 5 second cranks before it fades to useless.
As for cables getting hot etc, I'd reckon most of these things are size matched to their cables..i e cables get hot, nek minute the charger is flat and the cables start to cool anyway.

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[nanbar]

Thanks for all your input and advice, I had to use the Projecta IS1220 today as my battery let me down again and it worked a treat. Cranked over the 253 like it had a brand new battery.