 Electrical Testing - No Engine |
|
|
|
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG.
This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way. Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. |
|
|
| DennisV |
  Aug 27 2025, 09:06 PM
Post
#1
|
|
Senior Member  Group: Members Posts: 724 Joined: 8-August 20 From: Santa Rosa, CA Member No.: 24,575 Region Association: Northern California 
 |
Will I do any damage if I drop a battery in a car that has no engine or transmission? I'd like to test the electrical system (i.e., lights, dash, horn, etc.)
Are there any cables, wires, or fuses that I would need to remove or tape off before connecting the battery? The engine harness is also currently out. I realize without the generator, there will be nothing to charge the battery. I will get a battery tender. Thank you. P.S. I read that this Optima Redtop 35 was recommended, but their online fitment tool doesn't agree. In fact, it says "OPTIMA DOES NOT CURRENTLY OFFER A BATTERY IN YOUR SIZE" when I enter 1970 Porsche 914-6. |
   |
 
|
  |
Replies
| Superhawk996 |
Aug 27 2025, 11:00 PM
Post
#2
|
|
914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,392 Joined: 25-August 18 From: Woods of N. Idaho Member No.: 22,428 Region Association: Galt's Gulch
|
Would be far wiser to do it using a current limiting power supply. That way if you have an unanticipated short somewhere, you’re not dependent on a smattering of fuses to protect the wiring.
If you don’t want to spring for a cheap power supply, you could use the battery but I’d fuse the battery down to something on the order of 5 amps at the initial connection. You can upsize the fuse gradually as you prove out wiring and add load. A unfused battery is capable of smoking wiring before you can even disconnect it. |
 |
|
| DennisV |
Aug 28 2025, 06:54 AM
Post
#3
|
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 724 Joined: 8-August 20 From: Santa Rosa, CA Member No.: 24,575 Region Association: Northern California
|
QUOTE(Superhawk996 @ Aug 27 2025, 10:00 PM)  If you don’t want to spring for a cheap power supply, you could use the battery but I’d fuse the battery down to something on the order of 5 amps at the initial connection. You can upsize the fuse gradually as you prove out wiring and add load. Good idea. I see I can get a 12 AWG holder with blade fuses for $4. Cheap insurance. |
|
|
|
Posts in this topic
DennisV Electrical Testing - No Engine Aug 27 2025, 09:06 PM
Flyinlow
Would be far wiser to do it using a current limit... Sep 15 2025, 06:23 PM Superhawk996
Would be far wiser to do it using a current limi... Sep 15 2025, 06:40 PM Flyinlow
[quote name='Flyinlow' post='3224285' date='Sep 1... Sep 15 2025, 06:42 PM
GregAmy ^^^ good points.
Even spending $13 for a 60A... Aug 28 2025, 06:23 AM IronHillRestorations First remove all the fuses and add them back one a... Aug 28 2025, 08:12 AM Spoke If you don't have the heavy red wire to the st... Aug 28 2025, 08:45 AM |
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:
|
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 18th September 2025 - 01:53 PM |
Invision Power Board
v9.1.4 © 2025 IPS, Inc.