Welding Question I am not a professional welder but have my buzz box and my 120 volt mig. I have been know to burn some metal, And I been told many times that you need to disconnect the battery from the vehicle prior to welding or electrical system damage can result. What about the newer autos with the electrical and electronic systems? Anybody know is this truth or myth.
I'm a gorilla welder myself! I've heard both yes and no. I stumbled upon this by accident. www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/3297276.html?page=2 To be on the safe side, I think i'd disconnect. BTW, I like your truck, dude! Looks good!
Steve, I have seen cars and trucks welded on many many times still hooked up, with no problems. Myself, however, I disconnect the battery. It's just not worth the small chance that you could damage a pricey computer, or radio, etc. Better safe than sorry.......Mike
I always disconnect, even on older stuff. When a mechanic even TOUCHES the computer in your car, he or she is supposed to use a ground strap around the wrist connected to the body of the car because just the static electricity in your body can do damage. Same holds true for computer chassis and other electrical. Snap-On used to sell one, I bought mine from Radio Shack. So if your ECM is that sensitive.........DEFINETLY disconnect!
Electricity will always travel the path of least resistance. That being said battery hooked up or not if you keep the pos and neg between a component it will fry. The best way to prevent this is if you are welding on the frame for example connect the pos to that same side of the frame. If you are welding on the exhaust then hook it to the exhaust. That is the best way to keep from frying something.
