| Author | Message | ||
     Bob_thompson |
Wondering if there will be any problems tack welding components while on the bike as in fabricating together an exhaust system; then finish bench welding. Maybe it would help disconnecting the battery. Anything else to watch out for as for as far as electronics go? Induced voltages and all that? Bob | ||
| Xl1200r |
I just disconnected the battery when i was tacking a luggage rack up and no problems. | ||
| Jramsey |
Best to hook the ground lead as close to the part being welded. Disconnecting the battery doesn't do a thing to help. I have seen many people hook the ground up as I said previously and then decide to weld a bracket somewhere else and not move the ground,the current will take the path of least resistance which can be the wiring harness,bearings,ect, best to unplug sensitive electronics. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I weld with oxy actylene, so I don't electrocute anything. I've set a lot of things on fire though  Jramsey makes sense from a theory standpoint. Make a good ground as close to the weld is practical, on the actual hunk of metal you will touch. Don't brush something else by accident. If you are worried about a particular expensive sensitive part, like an ECM, VR, or HID ballast, you can just unplug them (leaving them grounded and bolted in place). That will give you a bit more insurance. I suspect it will be fine, but have no first hand experience. I think leaving the battery connected might help, rather then hurt, as it will act like a big shock absorber if you do get a transient somewhere on a V+ line. Just make sure it is not blowing hydrogen out from a recent rapid charge...  | ||
| Azxb9r |
Depending on who you talk to, some people will tell you to unplug or remove the ECM from the vehicle before doing any welding. There is a possibility that the voltage spikes from the welder could damage the ECM. Having said that, in 25 years I have not damaged an ECM on an automobile while welding, so I don't think the danger is that high. | ||
| Ratyson |
I figure it only takes a couple of seconds to disconnect an ecm, and a bit of cash to replace it. I am no welder, but If I was welding on my bike, I would disconnect the ECM until I was finished... but that's just me being paranoid. The welding maching is connected to earth ground, and the bike is not. The current is going to make it's way back to earth ground, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about components on your bike if you are grounding close to your work area. | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Thanks guys for the responses and one last question. If I do disconnect the ECM will any stored information be lost that would require reprogramming as in riding a ways to give the bike/motor info? |
