Fuses for Starter Motors: Should I fuse my cranking cables? | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDER

[@stephenburnage7687]

A few hours out of Puerto Vallarta, heading offshore, and i thought I could smell something burning (or maybe smoldering). Decided to turn round and investigate and, after a few days of investigating found an insulation breakdown on the starter circuit (due to a previous owner installing welding wire). As you say, no fuse on that circuit but even if we had one, i doubt that it was yet at the point where it could blow a 100A plus fuse. Havent installed a fuse (yet) but did install a simple high capacity on off switch, to isolate the engine (starter + alternator) from the start battery at all times the engine is not actually in use.

[@RSchrE]

As I understand it, the risk of blowing the oversized fuse is negligible, if the starting motor is functioning correctly. However, if there is a short circuit (in which case you won’t be able to start the engine anyway) it will prevent a fire from getting started. Correct?

[@torstenhansen4308]

Nibbling away at it, keep the videos coming.

[@DJEPNOTIK]

Great content, thanks!

[@Lordlindef]

Love this experts helps out all that of us that is wondering in thing. I did see some altinator made from the expert here to day. Where to buy and whats the prices on the most heavy duty altinator i ever seen. Hope you can send me any info for this. Best regards norway man drives down all of Europa waterways in holland steal boat and have all like a normal house apartant whit many batteryes 4 big solar and hybrid inverter. Thats maked my boat like a normal house to build inside. And traveling for some years. Only flight home for meet famely now and then

[@BoatHowTo]

Hi Eivind, Thanks for your comment. I just replied to the email you send me. Best, Jan

[@mckenziekeith7434]

I put a 300 Amp fuse on the starter of a pickup truck. No problems with it.

[@Lordlindef]

Have never seen fuse there in my lifetime

[@BoatHowTo]

Well they are not very common, but it can increase your safety if you add one (even if it's oversized).