Before I do something stupid... : MGB & GT Forum : The MG Experience

Before I do something stupid... #1
KPK Kevin K Cumberland, RI, USA Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Emma"	Topic Creator (OP) Aug 17, 2017 08:23 AM Joined 7 years ago 257 Posts

When I bought my 77B last year I decided to keep some necessary tools and spares in the car in case of a breakdown. One of the items I bought was a Bolt Power D28 500 Peak Amps With 13600mAh Portable Car Battery Jump Starter.

I haven't had to use it yet but I was reading a post a few weeks ago that said that these devices can damage the electrical system of the car. Is this true? Does anyone have any experience with these portable batteries?

If I need to use it I want to make sure I'm using it correctly.

Thanks

Kevin

61P6YWUYL5L._SY355_.jpg 12.9 KB

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #2
Nicecar Gary (ex "Harv") G Victoria, BC, Canada Sign in to contact 1980 MG MGB "Red On Red On Red"	Aug 17, 2017 10:22 AM Joined 13 years ago 8,390 Posts

"It's better to ask some of the questions, than know all of the answers". (James Thurber).

Smart move to ask.
Curious too, but my bet is, it's OK, but don't take my word.

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #3
geezer charles durning Magee, MS, USA Sign in to contact 1967 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (2-door) "Marvin" 1974 MG MGB GT "Foghorn Leghorn"	Aug 17, 2017 10:29 AM Top Contributor Joined 13 years ago 6,491 Posts

I'm no expert. I don't see an issue if used correctly. If the poles were reversed it could make smoke leak out.

CAUTION!!

Information in my journal may not be suitable for those who are sensitive. View at your own risk.

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That is why I always say, who cares how the factory did it, they did so many things so wrong, they were never the example to follow. Hap Waldrop

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #4
Ex-Calif Dan D Dayton, OH, USA Sign in to contact 1968 MG MGB GT "Bart - Yellow And Naughty" 1977 MG MGB "Red Betty" 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara "Suzi Q" 2012 Jeep Liberty "Tommy The Tank"	Aug 17, 2017 10:46 AM Joined 8 years ago 8,992 Posts

My goto place on things like this is Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Bolt-Power-D28A-Air-Compressor/dp/B00V7XX4J8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502984622&sr=8-3&keywords=Bolt+Power+D28

80 reviews and 4-star rating is pretty good in my book.

I regularly ask questions and post answers for things I buy.

Also a great place to compare similar products one is considering.

The goal - Reliable summer driver interspersed with mechanical tinkering...
Motto - "Driving fifty in the twisties..."
On Mods - It's your damn car - Do what you want. Haters gonna hate...
On SUVs - Drive your B like a soccer mom is texting her friends about how she wants to kill you...
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Bart - http://www.mgexp.com/registry/GHD4U146898G

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #5
KPK Kevin K Cumberland, RI, USA Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Emma"	Topic Creator (OP) Aug 17, 2017 12:10 PM Joined 7 years ago 257 Posts

Thanks Gary.

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #6
KPK Kevin K Cumberland, RI, USA Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Emma"	Topic Creator (OP) Aug 17, 2017 12:11 PM Joined 7 years ago 257 Posts

Yes, I thought it looked simple enough. I'll keep the polarity straight.

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #7
KPK Kevin K Cumberland, RI, USA Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Emma"	Topic Creator (OP) Aug 17, 2017 12:14 PM Joined 7 years ago 257 Posts

Thanks Dan. I buy a lot of products from Amazon and I also read the reviews. This product did get high ratings so I thought it was a good choice. Not only does it jump start the car, you can use it to recharge phones, laptops, etc. Even has a flashlight.

I got it on sale at $49.

Seems like it will bail me out if I need it.

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #8
Denny B. Denny Brodbeck Ocala, FL, USA Sign in to contact 1971 MG MGB	Aug 17, 2017 12:55 PM Joined 13 years ago 1,590 Posts

They work!

I have a Ford F-150 with a 4.6 liter V-8. When I purchased one of those I removed the battery from my truck (battery completed disconnected) a started my truck MANY times. It not only cranked the engine over but it cranked it like a brand new 12v truck battery! thumbs up

I wish I knew as much today as I did when I was 18........

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #9
dawvid David B Sharon, MA, USA Sign in to contact 1974 MG MGB GT	Aug 17, 2017 01:11 PM Top Contributor Joined 9 years ago 1,893 Posts

With the advancement of battery power, there are some interesting and useful new items on the market, from the Tesla to this. What a great product.

I might have to get one for my motorcycle.

Thanks,

David

74 Damask Red BGT
Davesmg@outlook.com

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #10
KPK Kevin K Cumberland, RI, USA Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Emma"	Topic Creator (OP) Aug 17, 2017 01:24 PM Joined 7 years ago 257 Posts

Good to know. I guess they work pretty well and I bought the smaller one.

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #11
OldBloke Jim Legg Napa, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1970 Rover 3500 1970 Rover P6 "Napa NADA II" 1971 MG MGB GT	Aug 17, 2017 03:01 PM Top Contributor Joined 16 years ago 11,645 Posts

Have had one for quite a while. Use it every now and then with no probs. Last time was on the way home from MG2017. Guy needed a jump..had him on his way in a couple of minutes. Usually my kids beater that needs it!

"Not all who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #12
ozieagle Herb Adler Geelong Victoria, Australia Sign in to contact 1958 Wolseley 1500 "Wooly" 1966 MG MGB "Bl**dy B" 1995 Toyota Highlander "Hi Ace Van" 2022 MG ZS	Aug 17, 2017 03:20 PM Top Contributor Joined 13 years ago 15,856 Posts

The warning about damaging the car's electrics is only for modern computer fitted cars. Though I've jump started modern cars without any issues.

The B's electrics don't have any susceptible devices.

Herb

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #13
Nicecar Gary (ex "Harv") G Victoria, BC, Canada Sign in to contact 1980 MG MGB "Red On Red On Red"	Aug 18, 2017 12:20 PM Joined 13 years ago 8,390 Posts

I was thinking what Herb stated.

$49!
I just looked at one that was about $250 Cdn.!

But I got a long way out of my way not to buy Chinese and support an evil regime. At some point when their military is built up, they are going to go after Taiwan. God help the world then.

I simply carry booster cables (amoung much other stuff).

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #14
KPK Kevin K Cumberland, RI, USA Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Emma"	Topic Creator (OP) Aug 18, 2017 01:24 PM Joined 7 years ago 257 Posts

Thanks

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Re: Before I do something stupid... #15
Gokart Rob Illingworth Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand Sign in to contact 1974 MG MGB GT 2004 MG ZR 160 "SCRUFFY"	Aug 18, 2017 04:44 PM Joined 9 years ago 1,123 Posts

What about if you have replaced the points with electronic? Can the surge from the jump starter upset them?

Cheers Rob

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