Portable jump start, 300 amp enough? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

goral · #1 03-30-2009, 08:30 PM

Im looking to purchase a portable jump start unit like:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2010040&productId=2010040&catalogId=10101

Is 300 amps ample to jump start a diesel?

79Mercy · #2 03-30-2009, 08:33 PM

I doubt it

#3 03-30-2009, 08:36 PM

No. You'll need 500+.

compress ignite · #4 03-30-2009, 08:59 PM

Free Shipping and 1700Amps.

http://www.etooldirect.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=124

Also, That link to JCW has something MALICIOUS about it ...
Anti-ViralWare is ringing Alarms about it.PLEASE REMOVE.

Thanks

pawoSD · #5 03-30-2009, 09:33 PM

A little portable unit like that is mere crumbs for the appetite of our diesel's starting systems......

I once tried to jump my SD off the minivan, I connected them up, let the van run a few mins, then when I fired up my glow system, the van's computer raised its idle to like 1300rpm to try and generate enough power for the current draw my car was creating...

I tried cranking, no go....not enough juice, even with the full 70+ amps available from the van.

I had to get a new battery.

I now have a charger/starter unit that can crank them up. It does a 100Amp "start" mode....it sounds like an industrial transformer when you flip it to that mode....and the car glows/cranks REAL fast.

This beast needs 120V AC power though, about 15 amps of it in start mode!

goral · #6 03-30-2009, 09:47 PM

Looks like 500+ amp is on call

turbobenz · #7 03-31-2009, 04:55 AM

Carry a fullsize well charged diesel battery (normal car battery would probably work too but the more amps the better) and beefy jumper cables as this can melt the insulation off of cheesy jumper cables. Positive to positive and negative to negative and start it.

If the motors hot but the battery is pretty low open your hood and unplug the glow plug relay. This gives you another 70amps

oldsinner111 · #8 03-31-2009, 06:10 AM

I used a f150 to jump once,I had to let my car charge 15 minutes before it would jump.

strelnik · #9 03-31-2009, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsinner111

I used a f150 to jump once,I had to let my car charge 15 minutes before it would jump.

You need POWER!

I traded to get a heavier duty charger. Some people think it's overkill but it worked for me. The starting ciruit is 400 amps

Almost melted the wires on this farm tractor for a friend, but it has started every car and tractor where it's been asked to help.

#10 03-31-2009, 09:18 AM

When my alternator died and I was stranded at work, my boss brought me this 200 amp portable starter/charger deal. I told him, "that wont work." He said, "it should, a car is a car". So I said, "Oh... OK, fabulous, well hook it up then!" I let the plugs glow until the light went out, turned the key, and "Click!" thats it just a click. I was already in a bad mood, so I said "Get that lawn mower battery off my Merc and lets get a truck over here" I think it made my boss mad, but I was in no mood for people not trusting me when I said it wont work.....lol.

pawoSD · #11 03-31-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83240D

When my alternator died and I was stranded at work, my boss brought me this 200 amp portable starter/charger deal. I told him, "that wont work." He said, "it should, a car is a car". So I said, "Oh... OK, fabulous, well hook it up then!" I let the plugs glow until the light went out, turned the key, and "Click!" thats it just a click. I was already in a bad mood, so I said "Get that lawn mower battery off my Merc and lets get a truck over here" I think it made my boss mad, but I was in no mood for people not trusting me when I said it wont work.....lol.

That's good.

I'd have let it glow the full 40 seconds to drain the life out of his starter box.

compu_85 · #12 03-31-2009, 10:47 AM

I found that a plug in 200 amp booster will work if the battery is just flat enough to prevent a normal start.

If you need a boost in a parking lot look for someone with a TDI... big diesel battery and 120 amp alternator on the manual transmission cars.

-J

Alastair · #13 03-31-2009, 10:57 AM

Nah, Not much good for a Diesel....

I have one that allegedly will supply 600A...

Wouldnt even turn-over properly a Ford 2.5L Di Transit....

pawoSD · #14 03-31-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

I found that a plug in 200 amp booster will work if the battery is just flat enough to prevent a normal start.

If you need a boost in a parking lot look for someone with a TDI... big diesel battery and 120 amp alternator on the manual transmission cars.

-J

So VW knew what an appropriate charging system should be.....sigh. Not us and our wussy 55-70 amp setups.....

I upgraded mine to an 80 as I haven't been able to find a 110A unit yet....need more saabs at the yard!

ElmoOxygen · #15 08-22-2012, 02:50 AM

I have to say this thread made me feel slightly better tonight. My 300sd is currently stranded in a sf parking garage.

I heard some clicking when I put it on a jump starter. I have moved the shifter around trying to find a neutral safety switch issue. Might try jumping the starter next??? Wondering if there's a wiring issue.

I am tempted to just buy another battery. This one is fairly new but it was low on water when I bought the car a few weeks ago. The 75amp jump starter isn't doing the job. Battery shows 13.2v.