Mig Welding

kissov356 · 08-08-2005, 08:05 AM

Just purchased a small Mig welder for the garage to use on my 70 911. I have a stupid question. Will I mess up the electronics on the car if use the welder to install weld in plates for a roll bar and other welding projects where you would be working on a complete running car. I'm worried that the electrical connections involved with the Mig process may effect the electrical circuits in the car. Thanks for any advice.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

It's a good idea to disconnect the battery just in case. The only real danger would be welding near highly EMI-sensitive stuff, ie your computer.

DW SD · 08-08-2005, 08:11 AM

I believe you need to remove the battery, disconnect the computer, and any other sensitive equipment. If something has its own grown disconnect that.

I always disconnected my battery, the computer and had zero problems. Disconnecting the alternator maybe would have been a good idea.

I'm sure others will chime in.

Doug

POKDUB · POKDUB's Garage

Just need to disconnect the earth leads on the batteries.
BTW. Keep a fire extinguisher handy

Zeke · 08-09-2005, 07:26 AM

Anything using a small amount of current like a tach could be sensative to a surge. I would ground the car as well as keep the ground lead close to the work and attach it to the side that will see the start of the weld. As a precaution, I disconnect the tach lead, the 14 pin and the 3 pin connector to the CDI. I've never understood why to disconnect the battery, but I do it anyway. If one doesn't disconnect sensative things like the tach and they survive, what could happen to the battery?

kissov356 · 08-09-2005, 08:14 AM

Thanks guys for all the good advice.