Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Jump-start packs

I lead a sheltered life and only came across these the other day when my local garage brought one along when my 1970 MB 300SEL would not start.

I'm too embarrassed to tell you the problem with the Mercedes. [try holding the auto gear stick in park while cranking the motor ]

But it has set me wondering whether to invest in one. I need one with lots of oomph as I have a 5.6 litre V8 and a 4/4.

What should I be wary of and what do I need to know please?

Can I start the (2013) 4/4 without attaching it to the battery terminals?

I have no technical knowledge of these but I'm sure I remember Hamwich saying how good they were - maybe worth a pm.

There are two types the small ones that are the size of a paperback book but they tend to be about 200 amp capacity therefore not up to starting a V8.

The physically larger ones would be what you need for the V8.
Google for 500 amp or 600 amp jumpstart units to be sure of getting a V8 going.

I have a combined charger and starter unit, a fast charger as opposed to the excellent ctek trickle chargers. It also has a strong light for use by the side of the road if the wheel needs changing (or foam-goo applying).

I use the ctek all the time but the starter has been helpful for the wife's Mini and the daily from time to time.

The newer ones are modern battery (LiIon instead of Lead Acid) and so a lot more practical to charge and then place near the battery so avoiding the cables etc. They can also be taken with you if you worry about the next start.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DBPOWER-18000mA...charger+starter

Given the current (amps) used to kick over the engine I would recommend only attaching to the battery terminals.

This triggered my curiosity. I know that most starter motors are about 1000W so with a current of about 100 Amps since the voltage of a battery drops under that load. The starter circuit on my boat has a 120a trip which never trips so that hangs together. For a BMW V8 the figure I got from the net was 142 A.

In theory therefore then 200A would do. All other things being equal I would go for the bigger one cos bigger is always best!

For the benefit of the OP, avoid using such a gadget on a fully discharged battery with a modern CAN system.

See my added post to the Banner Battery thread.

I've tried a few and you have to take most sellers blurb with a pinch of salt.

I'm sure some of these units will start a 900cc Corsa but the bigger stuff soon defeats them.

Cain/Wolf Performance do a very good product - if a tad pricey -

https://www.wolfperformance.co.uk/jump-starts---pps.html

I ended up with this one via Amazon (it has since been reduced in price ) -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CFJO88S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

- and it works well, starting the 4.4, Aero8 easily.

James

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/457060/Re:_Banner_Battery_...#Post457060

Link.

When my 4/4 expired with a completely flat battery recently a friend got it started with a pack that he'd picked up for £40 in Lidl. It was about the size of a USB hub and was only half charged itself yet it put enough oomph into my battery for it to start itself the next time. I was very impressed, I'm just waiting to see one that cheap.

~iw

Mine performed impressively yesterday on 3 litres from cold.

So I'm impressed with it and I'm not easily impressed.
Although Murphy's law suggests that it will always start an engine in the garage at home but maybe not when you're 200 miles out.