Author Topic: New Positive (+) Battery Cable (Read 17618 times)

Charles 230SL · « **on:** February 17, 2018, 03:24:44 »

I need to order a new positive (+) battery cable for my 230sl and I'm trying to confirm the MB part number and length.

SLS has two cables with different lengths; one is 157mm and the other is 148mm (does a 230SL have a shorter cable?). Authentic Classics has a positive battery cable with part number 108 540 0730, whereas Niemoller's battery cable has part number 113 540 00 30. which one is right? I'd hate to order a new cable and have it be too short..

I noticed there's a clip-on bracket that secures the battery cable to the battery frame (pic below). Does anyone have a photo showing where this clip goes?

Pawel66 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2018, 08:51:58 »

That's the best picture I have at hand. It goes something like there. Bottom left corner of the picture. It is hooked on the edge of the battery base frame.

450sl · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2018, 09:20:38 »

here you are

450sl · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2018, 09:25:35 »

450sl · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2018, 09:26:08 »

Pawel66 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2018, 11:39:40 »

This routing is critical...

I was wondering (it was one of may questions to the forum waiting in a que) if there is any plate protceting the connectors on the oil pan (like we have for gear box connectors). I could not find one. So I see the connectors are left bare there.

My second question was: why do I have to use a loom tie to keep the two wires together - but I see you have a loom tie there too... I thought I had something wrong there.

ja17 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2018, 15:00:16 »

There is no shield over the cover plate. I think that the loom tie may have a third wire going through it also. Possibly from the alternator on the way to the starter.

kampala · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2018, 15:19:41 »

Quote from: Charles 230SL on February 17, 2018, 03:24:44

SLS has two cables with different lengths; one is 157mm and the other is 148mm

Charles, this sounds like a VERY short cable for battery cable. 148mm / 157mm is around 6 inches. Something seems off.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2018, 15:38:22 »

Pawel66/450SL, thanks for the pictures, I think I've got an idea where the bracket goes now.

Yesterday I decided to take my car for a drive and listen to my recently adjusted (and now considerably quieter) valve tappets… Unfortunately, when I turned the ignition switch to the #2 start position, I got that old familiar solenoid "click".

Since my starter is only about 3yrs old, the battery is less than a year old, and I installed a new OEM ignition switch about 3yrs ago, I decided it was time for a new positive battery cable. I snipped off the positive terminal lead and sure enough, the copper wires were corroded enough to prevent adequate current flow. I may as well replace the negative cable while I’m at it – can anyone offer a suggestion of where to get a set of battery cables? I’m leaning toward Authentic Classics since they’ve got that cable bracket (further below) that I’m missing. I noticed they offer a reproduction positive battery cable http://www.authenticclassics.com/Positive-Battery-Cable-to-Starter-fits-108-p/auth-007835.htm?CartID=1. Has anyone purchased one of these lately?

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2018, 15:42:52 »

Quote from: kampala on February 17, 2018, 15:19:41

Charles, this sounds like a VERY short cable for battery cable. 148mm / 157mm is around 6 inches. Something seems off.

yep,, lets make that cm (vice mm),,,same difference to us "Westerners"

mdsalemi · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2018, 15:50:50 »

Out of curiosity, you should check the OEM price from the Classic Center. A few years ago I bought one. I do not recall the price, but what I DO recall was that it was definitely NOS. The parts tag on it was ~20 years old or so. This OEM part has a fabric insulation, not plastic/vinyl.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2018, 16:34:28 »

ok,thks Mike, I just sent a message to Tom Hanson about the cables.

Pawel66 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2018, 19:50:19 »

Quote from: ja17 on February 17, 2018, 15:00:16

There is no shield over the cover plate. I think that the loom tie may have a third wire going through it also. Possibly from the alternator on the way to the starter.

Joe, thank you!

Well, the PN for positive cable is A1135400130. The EPC says NLA, but it is always worth trying to ask.

mdsalemi · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2018, 21:36:46 »

If the OEM isn't available, and you want to match the OEM as close as possible, don't forget there are a variety of custom cable manufacturers out there. You just have to search.

The latest rage in small cables is fabric covering so my guess is if you search, you'll find it.

Tomnistuff · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2018, 23:25:15 »

Regarding your original question, my EPC shows two positive cables for a 230SL. The A 113 540 00 30 (original 230SL) was replaced by A 113 540 01 30. I don't know when that happened. To me, that means either of these two part numbers will work.

I don't have the length.

Tom Kizer

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #15 on:** February 18, 2018, 01:05:04 »

thanks Tom and all, that OEM battery cable (113 540 01 30) starts at $212.00 - ouch! As much as I hate to do it, I'll have to forego the Positive OEM cable. Looks like I'll be getting the reproduction one from Authentic Classics: http://www.authenticclassics.com/Positive-Battery-Cable-to-Starter-fits-108-p/auth-007835.htm?CartID=1, and the OEM negative cable they have listed: http://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-230SL-250SL-280SL-Negative-Battery-Cable-p/auth-006449.htm?CartID=2.

thanks again all, charles

Pawel66 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2018, 09:34:11 »

Just to confirm: the A113 540 01 30 was available from the Clasic Center?

This is important information...

mdsalemi · « **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2018, 16:56:57 »

Quote from: Charles 230SL on February 18, 2018, 01:05:04

...that OEM battery cable (113 540 01 30) starts at $224.00...looks like I'll be getting the reproduction one...

Charles, don't give up so quickly--really, make a few inquiries to the links that come up when you search for "custom battery cables" and see what they say. While it won't be cheap ($10) understand it's a heavy cable with a LOT of copper in it. The ends are pretty standard...

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #18 on:** February 22, 2018, 13:47:25 »

Quote from: Pawel66 on February 18, 2018, 09:34:11

Just to confirm: the A113 540 01 30 was available from the Clasic Center? This is important information...

I received a message from the Classic Center stating they didn't have the Positive (+) cable. When you enter the cable part number 113-540-01-30 on the various MB sites you'll see prices in the neighborhood of $212.00 - $226.00, but I've learned from past experience that getting a price quote doesn't necessarily mean the part is available. I've ordered and paid for MB parts in the past, only to receive a refund shortly thereafter along with a message stating the part was no longer available.

Pawel66 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2018, 14:47:04 »

This is what i was afraid of: NLA. My experience with EPC is: if it says "replaced by" - the Webparts does not even recognize the number, if it says NLA, it is NLA, then there are parts that do not say NLA, but when you put in the number in Webparts, it shows the price, but it shows the red dot (NLA) - then very often they are indeed not available but sometimes, rarely, they are, say, 6 months waiting (my record was 1,5 years for voltage regulator for 190SL).

From the European suppliers: Niemoller say they have low quantity, but they may have original - you would have to mail them and ask. Be specific what you want as they have a mess now there with the catalogue numbers. On SLS - you have one for 230 and longer for later cars. You have pictures, so you see what you get and compare with Authentic. You can get both (-) and (+) - they would look better on the battery.

Now, to confuse you more, if you look at the EPC picture, you have part that has number 32 on the picture (you do not have it in SLS, you have it shown in Niemoller as no. 19), which is part number A0005462930 INSULATING HOSE (STARTING CABLE AND CABLE HARNESS), which is an additional protective hose - you may want fellow members to advise if to put it on or not. I did.

Then you have the rubber boot for starter A1165460135 and a couple of connectors: N900261008001 lug (starter), A0005464240 connector for D+ and I see two more cable shoes (you may want to check how many you need) A0005464940 and A0005464440 if you have automatic (please verify). These you need if you want to do the cable yourself or for those who would custom make it (I would use original parts). Then I would closely look what kind of connector to battery terminal you are getting, so that it looks like original one.

Coming back long way to your original question:
- according to SLS 230SL is 148cm, later is 157cm
- correct part number is A 113 540 00 30 for 230SL, but it was replaced, so correct number is A113540 0130
- Niemoeller say they have the 0030 one, but you need to verify what they have (!), as this may not be exact
- part number A1085400730 will probably fit (?), the list of cars where it was fitted you will find in attachment, 113044 for America is there - so maybe it is an option, I am not 100% sure; it is NLA, webparts says (red dot) and it costed ca $200 in my country

That is what I could find quickly. In Europe I would check what Niemoellers have. If not, I would go for SLS.

Scottcorvette · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2018, 15:29:03 »

I've just measured mine off a 1964 230SL and it is 148cm.

Attached is a photo of that battery lead clamp off my battery tray.

Tyler S · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2018, 16:17:40 »

Quote from: mdsalemi on February 18, 2018, 16:56:57

Charles, don't give up so quickly--really, make a few inquiries to the links that come up when you search for "custom battery cables" and see what they say. While it won't be cheap ($10) understand it's a heavy cable with a LOT of copper in it. The ends are pretty standard...

This is exactly what I ended up doing 2 years ago. Ordered a custom length cable for $30 and put a generic cable end on it. You may be able to reuse your original battery end by cleaning up And soldering the new cable into it with a torch.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JGJGIE8/ref=oh_aui_i_sh_in_o2_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2018, 23:16:00 »

Scott, that picture of the bracket was just what I needed - thanks.

Tyler, Pawell66, Mike, et al., thanks for all the research and recommendations.
Since there were a couple other items I needed from Authentic Classics, I went ahead and ordered their reproduction battery cable. thanks again for all the help, charles

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #23 on:** March 03, 2018, 04:42:39 »

I received the (+) positive battery cable a couple days ago and while removing the old cable from the starter, I decided to bend that 10 gauge wire from the alternator out of the way. Well, when I bent it, the vinyl loom/sheathing cracked open in several places as did the insulation on the alternator wire itself. 54 years of heat off the exhaust manifold made the alternator wire insulation and the surrounding vinyl sheathing around it really 'crunchy'. The ignition switch wire is also enclosed in the sheathing and the insulation on it doesn't look too good either.
So....I'll need to replace the section of 10 AWG wire between the alternator and the starter and about 3 feet of the ignition wire. I really hate to splice the ignition wire but the only other option is replace the front wiring harness. The alternator wire should be no problem as it appears to have 5/16 eyelets on both ends.

I'll need the wire, eyelets, connectors, etc., and the vinyl sheathing. Can anyone recommend a supplier where I can get everything I need, including the vinyl sheathing? I really want the wiring loom and connectors to look as original as possible.

Pawel66 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2018, 06:33:46 »

In EPC there is part A1085406609 CABLE HARNESS FROM CABLE CONNECTOR TO STARTING MOTOR, ca $150, 72hrs availability, but I am not sure if this is what you need, you are probably not talking these - you would have to verify it with the dealer/Classic Center. I think it might be similar to what you have at Authentic Classic: http://www.authenticclassics.com/Starter-Motor-Wiring-Harness-for-Mercedes-280SL-p/auth-007321.htm

I bought the nylon protective sleeve at SLS.

Connectors, looms and wire lugs/connectors - from MB you get originals (even though these are fairly generic pieces) in SLS and Authentic you see pictures.

The sources I know do not show the starter cable separately. To me it looks like:
1. Either you look at what you have and try to find all the pieces (EPC, SLS, Authentic) with suppliers who have good descriptions or pictures (the wire itself is generic) and then take it somewhere to fit the eyelets to the thick wires (may be difficult to do yourself without a poper press/clamps), or

2. Send the pieces you want to have replaced to someone who can rebuild it with pieces that look similar to originals. I am sure you have plenty of such places around.

The above probably is not extremely helpful, but this is what I do in a similar situation. Maybe in the US you have a better choice of suppliers...

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Author Topic: New Positive (+) Battery Cable (Read 17618 times)