Printable Version | Subscribe | Add to Favourites
New Topic New Poll New Reply
Author: Subject: Mig Welding modern cars
macc man

posted on 20/11/20 at 12:04 PM Reply With Quote
Mig Welding modern cars

This may have been covered before, but I just wanted to pass on a recommendation for a protection device when welding on cars.
Previously I always disconnected as much as possible battery ecu alternator etc before welding. I damaged an old cavalier once when welding the exhaust. I recently did extensive welding on my Transit Connect. I connected a Sealey Prosafe 12v protector across the battery terminals disconnected nothing and was pleased to report no damage to anything. This could save thousands in damaged electronics. It cost £62 from Ebay and was well worth the investment.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
tegwin

posted on 20/11/20 at 10:52 PM Reply With Quote
The question is.... would there have been no damage if you had not have used the expensive device?





------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Would the last person who leaves the country please switch off the lights and close the door!

www.verticalhorizonsmedia.tv

View User's Profile Visit User's Homepage View All Posts By User U2U Member
Mr Whippy

posted on 20/11/20 at 11:02 PM Reply With Quote
Personally I'd disconnect the battery and pull out the alternator plug just to be safe. Mind too that modern cars, vans etc use adhesives extensively, plus high strength steels both of which can be badly compromised by welding. Repairs to body shells has become much harder if not impossible to do safely without specialist gear and detailed repair guides.

For me to prevent frying wiring, just connect the earth right next to the part or area your welding not clamped onto some remote part of the car. Electricity takes the shortest path of least resistance.

[Edited on 20/11/20 by Mr Whippy]

View User's Profile E-Mail User Visit User's Homepage View All Posts By User U2U Member
coyoteboy

posted on 21/11/20 at 03:08 AM Reply With Quote
Return clamp right next to weld, leave the battery fully connected (it smoothes any spikes).






View User's Profile E-Mail User View All Posts By User U2U Member
nick205

posted on 22/11/20 at 04:45 PM Reply With Quote
What do we define as modern?

Anything with an ECU and fuel injection?

Year 2000 onwards?

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
JAG

posted on 23/11/20 at 08:14 AM Reply With Quote
quote:

What do we define as modern?

Anything with an ECU and fuel injection?

Year 2000 onwards?



My engine is from a 1994 MX5 and that has an ECU and fuel injection





Justin


Who is this super hero? Sarge? ...No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? ...No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? ...Could be!

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
cliftyhanger

posted on 23/11/20 at 12:38 PM Reply With Quote
I have been using a surge protector for years. Just an extra piece of insurance against zapping something expensive. Cost me £15 back then.
And yes, leaving the battery connected is a good idea, as said it softens any spikes.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
nick205

posted on 23/11/20 at 02:48 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by JAG
quote:

What do we define as modern?

Anything with an ECU and fuel injection?

Year 2000 onwards?



My engine is from a 1994 MX5 and that has an ECU and fuel injection



Cars had ECUs and injection earlier than 1994, I've had several Peugeot 205 GTIs with UCEs and injection from the mid to late 1980's.

My question was general really as in does the OP have a year after which he considers cars to be modern.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
coyoteboy

posted on 23/11/20 at 07:32 PM Reply With Quote
Doesn't really matter, the same best practice applies to all, you're just safer on older cars as they tend to be more tolerant, I think.






View User's Profile E-Mail User View All Posts By User U2U Member

New Topic New Poll New Reply


go to top






Website design and SEO by Studio Montage

All content © 2001-16 LocostBuilders. Reproduction prohibited
Opinions expressed in public posts are those of the author and do not necessarily represent
the views of other users or any member of the LocostBuilders team.
Running XMB 1.8 Partagium [© 2002 XMB Group] on Apache under CentOS Linux
Founded, built and operated by ChrisW.