M 38 Electrical "Waterproof" Question

maxEmilian · Post by **maxEmilian** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:58 am

Dear fellow Jeepesr:

I have a question regarding the Batteryboxes and the starter engine of our M 38 Jeep.
Since its said they are fully submersible and operational I always wondered how this refers to the Batterboxes. The grommets that lead the cables out and the drainhole at the botton puzzles me. Dont they allow water to enter and develop a short? Same for the waterproof starter motor. The motor itself is sealed with special seals but the electrical solenoid connectors arent . So when the starter is submerged and the engine dies and you are trying to restart the engine doesnt the electrical power jump over and creates a short?

Thank you guys for help and thoughts on my problem of understanding

Best and have a nice weekend

Max

Post by **wesk** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 9:47 am

So when the starter is submerged and the engine dies and you are trying to restart the engine doesnt the electrical power jump over and creates a short?

No it will not. The resistance of the water is higher then the electrical system's circuit resistance. Electrons take the path of least resistance.

The battery box is there for containment of the battery and it's corrosive electrolyte and gasses. The vent caps on the batteries will allow very little water in.

maxEmilian · Post by **maxEmilian** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 9:54 am

Hello Wes:

very interesting and surprising for me. Would have never thought about
the resistance factor.

Thank you very much

Max