The following narrative serves to give guidance on solving some of the common problems one may encounter with your Austin Healey. However, the writer absolves himself and the Austin Healey Club from any liability resulting from information given herewith.

The correct way to "jump start" your car.

Jump starting a car is a relatively simple task if it is done properly, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who are unaware of the correct procedure. Many modern cars have computerised engine management systems and other sophisticated electronic equipment. Normal jump starting can damage these electronic components. To many motorists, jump starting involves connecting jumper leads to both batteries - positive terminal to positive terminal and negative terminal to negative terminal. For those of us driving classic cars, you might think we don’t have to worry about being that careful – well you’d be wrong!! Why, I hear you say? Well,there’s another consideration. If you generate sparks whilst connecting the terminals then this can cause an explosion if the sparks ignite the hydrogen that builds up within the battery casing. Remember your GCSE chemistry of the electrolysis of water? 2H2O

2H2 + O2

So, “Safety First” (wasn’t that the MG strap line???!!!) 1) First connect one jumper lead between the live terminal of the working battery (normally the positive (+) terminal on modern cars) to the equivalent terminal on the flat battery i.e. positive to positive or red to red. [NOTE Make sure you check which is the live terminal before you start. Many Healey owners convert from positive earth to negative earth, especially when converting from a dynamo to an alternator. If you are connecting two unconverted Healeys together, the first connection may indeed be connecting the two negative

terminals or the black terminals. Whatever you do, ALWAYS connect terminals of the same polarity – red to red or black to black/plus to plus or negative to negative].

2) Then connect one end of the second lead to the earth terminal of the booster battery. The other end of this lead should then be connected to a solid metal part of the engine of the stranded vehicle, such as the engine block or cylinder head. 3) Make sure that jumper lead terminals are firmly attached and making good permanent contact. Don't hold them with your hands. 4) Once the jumper leads have been connected, checking the leads are away from moving parts, start the engine of the car with the booster battery, and then the vehicle with the flat battery. Leave both engines running for at least five minutes if possible. 5) Do not break any electrical circuit while the engines are still running, otherwise it is possible that a high-voltage "spike" will be created which could seriously damage the electronic components of either vehicle. 6) Turn both engines off and remove the jumper leads in reverse order to the way they were put on. The first disconnection must be from the engine block/cylinder head of the vehicle which had the flat battery. This method of connecting and disconnecting jumper leads reduces the likelihood of damage to electronic components as well as the possibility of a battery explosion caused by arcing at the battery terminals. As I said earlier, the gas emitted from batteries is potentially explosive. Notes If a vehicle equipped with electronic equipment has an extremely flat battery, which may be indicated by dull headlights or an inability to crank the engine at all, don't attempt a jump start. It is advisable to disconnect the flat battery and have it recharged. It is a good idea to keep a set of jumper leads in your car, as you never know when you might need them. Jumper leads with voltage-surge protection are best, as they help absorb voltage spike should it occur. This type of jumper lead should be used when either vehicle is equipped with electronic components. Do not attempt a jump start if the discharged battery is frozen, or if the batteryfluid level is low, as the battery may rupture or explode. Always consult your vehicle owner's manual for any special instructions about your vehicle.