QuestionDick, you gave me a great answer to my '47 Hudson problem a while back, and I need another one if you don't mind. I'm still going through the fuel line troubles, but the battery is down and I can't test it. I'm still learning my way around here, but it appears as if this battery has a positive ground (the negative battery cable goes to the starter). Question: do I reverse the (+ and -)clips on the trickle charger? i.e. Put the positive clip on the negative battery pole? Seems to me that's the way, but I don't know for sure. Also, should I charge it at 6 amps or 2, given it's a 6-volt job? Will you help me again? Thanks.
Tom
AnswerHi, Tom;
As you've discovered, all Hudsons (and many other cars) through 1955 are positive ground. This really makes no difference at all, except when you are connecting to something outside the car, like a charger, or like attempting to jump start the car. In either case, you must connect the + terminal of the charger or booster battery to the engine block, frame, or some other really solid ground point, and the negative terminal of the charger or booster battery must be connected to the negative terminal of the battery.
The order of connection is always: Connect the hot terminal first (in your case that is the negative terminal), then connect the ground terminal second, and try to find a place to connect it away from the battery. The reason for this is your safety - when you make this last connection, you may draw a spark, and sparks near batteries are a very bad combination. Batteries give off a highly explosive gas, especially when being charged, and you can cause an explosion of flying acid if you don't take care. You should wear eye protection when you do this.
Because this operation is so fraught with danger, be very sure I have explained this clearly. If not, please ask again, and I'll try to be prompt with my answer.
As for the rate of charge from the charger, if the battery is quite discharged, run it on the 6 amp setting for at least 6 hours, then you can change it to the 2 amp setting for a much longer period without danger of overcharging the battery. If at any time you smell the odor of overripe tomatoes, stop charging, and be very sure to unplug the charger and exit the area until the odor dissipates. Check the water level in the battery after the odor is gone, you may need to add some water to cover the plates.
I hope this is in time to prevent any trouble for you, and I apologize for the delay, we have been away all day.
Dick
