Iwant to move my three starting batteries from under engine to bay next to my house batteries. I plan to use 4/0 gage wire and it will be about 17 ft from mounting points where they are now. my question for the electrical experts do I need a inline fuse and if so at what amperage. My starting batteries are Lifeline 31's 1120 cranking amps each (3). Thanks I don't want to chance screwing this up.
What is your reason for moving them so far from the starter?
On the Phenix the batteries are below the muffler and under to the passenger side of the engine about 2 ft in. Historically I have had issues with heat effecting the batteries rather than age. The newer coaches IH45 have same battery storage bay that I have but include the starting batteries. So I thought if they could do it why not move mine as I have room. Just not sure how as far as routing cables and fusing if needed Etc. Not a big deal really but starting batteries last about half of their useful life.
There is no fuses in battery cables
Find a closer location. 17' time 2 is way too far for a battery bank to be from the starter of a large diesel engine.
And, agree, starter circuits are normally not fused. A potential issue with a location a long way from the starter with lots of potential grounds (all metal on the coach).
Understand you wanting batteries in a cooler location, but look for closer alternatives.
OK Bret and others I respect your opinion you know the old saying " don't fix what a'int broke" I will keep it as is and just keep an eye on the batteries as I have these past 10 years. Thanks to you all.
I would not rule out a battery relocation, but 17' times 2 (electrons have to make a round trip) is just too far.
I have no other bays or locations near engine. The configuration on my coach being a 40' just doesn't have any space to put them. My guess that's why they are where they are. When I had to change my PTO and hydraulic pump these had to come out just to work under that part of coach.
It might be cheaper to install a resonator and get some of the heat out of that compartment.
You could install a thermostatic fan to pump some cooler fresh air through that compartment.
Some the the new over the road trucks are in fact coming equipped with large main fuses on the starter cables in the battery box.
Someone here posted his use of three lifeline Agm group 31 batteries at 1120 CCA's for start batteries.
No idea what your engine requires but my m11 asks for 2200 CCA to start. I have around 2300 and it turns over quickly.
It's possible you have enough CCA's to lose some from the current loss from the long cables and still start the motor.
Foretravel obviously does this install.
Way to test would be to make up a set of cables the lenght needed and hook up the batteries using the substitute cabling and see how your motor turns over.
Not cheap as the big cables and ends are a few dollars but if you want to move them the test is possible.
Especially if the Factory has successfully moved them
Three group 31 batteries are a good choice as there is never such a thing as too many CCAs when it comes to starting a diesel. Just because your engine spins rapidly does not mean it will in the dead of winter where batteries are not quite as happy, oil is thicker and air is colder resulting in increased cranking time for the compression ignition diesels. High altitude with less dense air magnifies any problems. Any electrical resistance at the battery/starter connectors will also be magnified with the increased demand with voltage loss at the starter. Cranking speed in cold weather is probably the most factor for quick and reliable starting.
The installation of an additional battery ground cable to the nearest frame member is also a good idea. Welding cable is outstanding for this and any welding supply shop can supply the cable and ends even crimping/shrink wrapping the cable ends on if you don't want to do it yourself.
We used two 8Ds to start our fleet of 8V-71s year around with no block heaters. One 8D resulted in an occasional hesitation.
Pierce
Blue Sea carries a line of Marine Rated Battery Fuse holders and fuses
MRBF Terminal Fuse Block - 30 to 300A - Blue Sea Systems (http://www.bluesea.com/products/5191/MRBF_Terminal_Fuse_Block_-_30_to_300A)
Also see
Marine Rated Battery Fuses - Blue Sea Systems (http://www.bluesea.com/products/category/0/42/Marine%20Rated%20Battery%20Fuses)
Would it be feasible to install additional heat reflecting/insulating material in the battery compartment? That, plus the fan suggested by Derek, might make it more "comfortable" for your batteries.