I'm installing an Atlee Dodge battery box on my 180 and am open to any pointers from those who've done it.

Who is a good source for the battery cable? What gauge did you chose for the various cables?

All info is appreciated!

Easy enough to make your own cables, but lately I have been just ordering them from Bogart Aviation. https://bogertaviation.com. Nice stuff.

akaviator wrote:I'm installing an Atlee Dodge battery box on my 180 and am open to any pointers from those who've done it.
Who is a good source for the battery cable? What gauge did you chose for the various cables? ………...

The previous owner of my 180 installed a firewall mounted Odyssey. From the field-approved 337:
"Three new #4 battery cables & terminal ends were fabricated, these were installed between the battery & master solenoid, battery & ground, and master solenoid & starter solenoid."

hotrod180 wrote:

akaviator wrote:I'm installing an Atlee Dodge battery box on my 180 and am open to any pointers from those who've done it.
Who is a good source for the battery cable? What gauge did you chose for the various cables? ………...

The previous owner of my 180 installed a firewall mounted Odyssey. From the field-approved 337:
"Three new #4 battery cables & terminal ends were fabricated, these were installed between the battery & master solenoid, battery & ground, and master solenoid & starter solenoid."

Thanks. I had thought I should go with #2 but in your experience the #4 has worked well for you I assume.

I am by no means an expert, nor an electician. But. with the location of the battery, the cables are very short. Perhaps that allows going to a smaller cable and thus weight savings?

StillLearning wrote:I am by no means an expert, nor an electician. But. with the location of the battery, the cables are very short. Perhaps that allows going to a smaller cable and thus weight savings?

Yes, 4 gauge is what I'm finding from others I've spoken with today as well. I'm interested to see how it spins the starter with the new set up.

A good ground is very important!

The (early) C180's not only had rubber isolators where the engine bolts to the mount,
but also rubber bushings where the mount bolts to the firewall.
All with ground cables or attachments for ground continuity.
I went ahead & just added an extra ground cable on mine,
from a stud on the back of the engine directly to the firewall.
No question about it being well-grounded now.

hotrod180 wrote:The (early) C180's not only had rubber isolators where the engine bolts to the mount,
but also rubber bushings where the mount bolts to the firewall.
All with ground cables or attachments for ground continuity.
I went ahead & just added an extra ground cable on mine,
from a stud on the back of the engine directly to the firewall.
No question about it being well-grounded now.

Roger that guys, thanks for the grounding pointers. Hit up Stoddards at Merrill Field and got new cable, ends, and a new starter solenoid. It's going to be a fun mod.

If possible, place the battery box in such a way you can replace the battery w/o requiring removal of the entire cowling....and be sure it is placed such that you can get the battery in the box (yup I made that mistake first time!). I also used Bogart cables and a new ground strap from engine to frame.
John

john54724 wrote:If possible, place the battery box in such a way you can replace the battery w/o requiring removal of the entire cowling....and be sure it is placed such that you can get the battery in the box (yup I made that mistake first time!). I also used Bogart cables and a new ground strap from engine to frame.
John

Thanks. Nice install you did.

Seeing as it’s being mentioned again, I’ll repeat myself also.

Burl’s Aircraft sells a battery box that has front access instead of top. You can mount the battery level, and still be able to remove it.

john54724 wrote:If possible, place the battery box in such a way you can replace the battery w/o requiring removal of the entire cowling....and be sure it is placed such that you can get the battery in the box (yup I made that mistake first time!). I also used Bogart cables and a new ground strap from engine to frame.
John

Incredible 170 John! Love it!

Kurt

Got it moved, used an F. Atlee Dodge box and the SGS16 battery. Lighter by 16.875 pounds and man does it spin that starter now!