what's the dumbest thing you've ever heard?

[Paddy Galore!]

don't some of the larger diesel engines run 24v? this is the only problem i could percieve.

[HDAV]

don't some of the larger diesel engines run 24v? this is the only problem i could percieve.

Yes (mainly trucks/commercials and plant) also a lot of MOD stuff is 24V FFR Landrover etc

[bedwards1966]

It's perfectly possible to start petrol's with diesels and diesels with petrols.

I think I've covered just about every combination of little to big and big to little capacity petrol and diesels.

 

 

If the battery and charging system is larger than needed (e.g 4 ltr diesel to a .1.3 petrol) then the little engine will only take what is needed, say 10% of what's available.

If it's the other way round, it will take a lot out of it, but it's not normally an issue. Yes the battery will go a bit flat, and the alternator will be at it's maximum output, but nothing gets damaged. Perhaps if you kept trying for ages when it could barely turn it over you may end up damaging the small battery, but it's unlikely and doesn't happen when done sensibly.

Bear in mind that batteries can be left to equalize a bit where there is a big difference.

In nearly all cases where a vehicle can't be jump started, it's not the capacity of the jumper vehicle that's insufficient, but the jump leads/connection.

 

For 24v vehicles to jump start a 12, all you need to do is take a 12v supply from one battery. It's not ideal, but it does work without doing any damage.

[WelshLamb]

^^ totally agree.

 

I'm yet to damage anything from jumping petrol to diesel and vice versa